Dominican Family Matters 13 th October Woe to us if we do not preach the Gospel! Asia Pacific Dominican Leadership Retreat and Conference

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1 A Newsletter for the Dominican Family in Australia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea OPFAM Dominican Family Matters 13 th October Woe to us if we do not preach the Gospel! 2015: "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32); For freedom Christ set us free" (Gal 5:1): Dominic: Government, Spirituality and Freedom Asia Pacific Dominican Leadership Retreat and Conference In order to prepare spiritually for the Jubilee Celebration, the Brothers and Sisters in the Asia Pacific Region will have a Dominican Family Retreat from October 12-14, 2015, at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. Brother Timothy Radcliffe OP, former Master of the Order will be the main speaker. The Leaders of the Region will hold a Conference on October 15-16, 2015 at the same University. The Dominican Family Leaders' Conference is an occasion for the superiors of the Asia Pacific Region to meet in plenary assembly and, separately, as branches of the Family. Various concerns affecting the members of the Region are ordinarily discussed in the conference. This year's Leaders Conference, which will be held on the advent of the Jubilee of the Order, is an occasion for all the leaders to share with one another the various ways the different branches will celebrate the 8th Centenary of the Order. Brothers and sisters from the General Curia of the Order will grace the conference. There are a number of Australian representatives, including Sr Judith Lawson OP Prioress of Dominican Sisters of Eastern Australia and the Solomon Islands, and Sr Philomena Barivudu OP, Vicaress of the Holy Rosary Vicariate, Solomon Islands. You can follow both the retreat and the conference on Congratulations to the new Leadership Team of Dominican Sisters in WA Sisters Joan Carville (Prioress), Marlene Laracy, Mary Ryan and Margaret Scharf. At this significant time in your history, may the Spirit breathe you wisdom and peace to bring to your new role. Congratulations to Sr Helen Merrin OP Sr Helen began her ministry with L'Arche in Since that time she has ministered in many capacities - as assistant, house co-ordinator, community leader and regional co-ordinator for Australia. Recently, many people were present to celebrate her loving and dedicated giving over thirty years, including residents from the three Sydney houses, assistants, friends, parents, Board and long-term members. Tributes were expressed to Helen in the form of memories, story-telling, song and prayer. Helen's response was loving and grateful and was accepted with much clapping, drumming and cheers.

2 Helen's commitment to the L'Arche family is ongoing. Her professionalism and whole hearted service is much appreciated, especially as Helen has considerable hearing and sight impairments herself. Montebello Sisters, Natal South Africa Celebrate 90 years On Thursday September 24 th 2015 the chapel at Rosary Convent, Montebello, South Africa was packed with members of this Dominican Congregation and hundreds of guests who had gathered to celebrate the 90 th Anniversary of the foundation of this group of African Sisters. Leaders of Dominican and other religious congregations were represented as they honoured the Dominican Sisters of Montebello. Cardinal Napier was the main celebrant for the beautiful liturgy, assisted by six bishops and over 30 priests. After the liturgy, 1500 people gathered in a marquee to share a meal and hear the stories. Highly qualified, successful ex-students who returned for the celebrations spoke with a great sense of gratitude of their educational experiences with the Sisters. Many indicated that they had no idea of the struggles and the difficulties the Sisters had faced both in the pre and post the Apartheid period. The Dominican Sisters from Blauvelt NY who, in recent years, have established the Doctorates without Borders program, were represented at the celebrations by three sisters. This program has enabled some Montebello Sisters to study in New York and gain qualifications in a variety of areas. Their new skills and knowledge have been put into practice in the many ministries in which the sisters are engaged in South Africa. The Australian connection to Montebello began in 1991 when the then Principal of Rosary School, Sister Michael Mdluli OP, came to Australia for Renewal leave after traumatic times during the lead up to the 1994 elections. The students at Santa Sabina College were so touched by the stories Sister Michael shared with them that they asked her if a Sister School relationship with Montebello could be established. Twenty-four years later this relationship continues. Over those years students have raised money to provide education for young Zulu women who would not be able to gain an education without this support. Since 2005 students and staff from Santa Sabina have visited Montebello regularly as part of their South African Immersion experience. Sister Judith Lawson OP and Marg O Shea travelled to Montebello to be part of the 90 Year Jubilee celebrations and our presence was so much appreciated by the Sisters. A more detailed account of the celebrations will appear on the website later in the month. Marg O Shea Fr J. Pérennès - New Director of the Ecole Biblique Many Dominicans who have worked in the area of justice and peace will have come in contact with the new director. Fr Jean Jacques Pérennès was born in northern France in With a master s degree in theology and a doctorate in economics, Fr. Jean Jacques has an impressive background studying, teaching and holding various leadership positions all over the world. He spent a combined eighteen years teaching economics at the University of Algiers and then as a lecturer at the Institute of Political Studies and the Catholic University of Lyon. In 1985, Fr. Jean Jacques went to Rome to work as an assistant to the Master of the Dominican Order giving the opportunity to travel to various

3 impoverished countries. In 2000, Fr. Jean Jacques began his time in Cairo holding positions as prior of the Dominican community, secretary general and Director of the Dominican Institute for Oriental Studies (IDEO). He served as Vicar Provincial of the Dominicans in the Arab World from After having spent nine years in Egypt working at IDEO, Fr. Jean Jacques Pérennès begins his new assignment as Director of the Ecole Biblique on October 1st. Read the interview below with Fr. Jean Jacques Pérennès. See more at: Dominican Saints this week OCTOBER 14 Bl Marie Poussepin was born in the town of Dourdan, in France, in She was educated in faith by her mother, joined a parish sodality and took over the running of her father s business of manufacturing stockings. In 1696, having become a professed member of the Dominican Laity, she widened the scope of her charity, helping the sick and educating children, especially from the country. In the little town of Sainville she set up a house, later to become the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity, or the Dominicans of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin. She died on 24th January, OCTOBER 19 Bl Agnes of Jesus Galand (of Langeac) was born at Le puy-en-velay in 1602, and brought up by loving parents. She consecrated herself to the Virgin Mother of God at seven years of age. In the year 1623 she entered the newly established convent of the Order of Preachers at Langeac, where she became Novice Mistress and Prioress. Burning with love for Christ crucified and for the Church, for three years she dedicated herself to prayers and penances for the establishment of a seminary in France, the work of the outstanding priest, Jean Jaques Olier. On 19th October, 1694 she entered eternal life. OCTOBER 21 Bl Peter of Città di Castello was born in Città di Castello in 1390 and at the age of fifteen received the habit in the reformed priory of Cortona where he was to spend his entire Dominican life. Sustained by a life of contemplation and penance he became a zealous and effective preacher. He died at Cortona on October 21, Celebrating 800 years as The Order of Preachers 7 th November st January 2017 The words of our Jubilee song: Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare Laudare, we praise our Lord with our saints Benedicere, lift our voice in song Prædicare, proclaim Your Word to the world. Sent out to preach by Dominic sent two by two to all the world sent out to study the Gospel of grace to find new ways to preach.

4 Un cæur, une âme, tous donnes contemplatifs émerveillés joyeux amis, apprenez-nous pour les pécheurs, miséricorde. Presencia del amor de Dios Presencia profética Presencia compasiva Sembradores de esperanza Embrace with grace the marketplace Embrace the world not of the world Embrace the mission with compassion to preach the word to the world Resources See Share our News right column - Jubilee for Jubilee song, and some excellent views of Caleruega, Bologna, Prouilhe, Peter Seilhan s House, prepared for the Jubilee year with English sub-titles once you get through the introductions. CALENDARS from November 2015-January 2017 Large and small Calendars are NOW AVAILABLE, Large Calendars $15; Desk Top Calendars $5 Postage not included. Available through archives5@bigpond.com Proceeds to Dominican Sisters in the Solomon Is. JUBILEE CARDS-WITH JUBILEE PRAYER ON THE BACK The cards carry the Jubilee symbols the flame, the staff, the Book of the Gospels and the Gospel Mandate Sent to Preach the Gospel Bookmark 1 Bookmark 2 Available in lots of 10 at 15c each from Dominican Sisters archives5@bigpond.com The Dominican Sisters invite all members of the Dominican Family and their friends and co-workers to join them at a EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION commemorating 800 Years of the Order of Preachers at Santa Sabina Chapel, 90 The Boulevarde, Strathfield on the Feast of All Dominican Saints, Dominican Family Day7 th November 2015 at am. To be followed by light refreshments. RSVP: Friday 23 rd October 2015to domadmin@opeast.org.au or ph:

5 Jubilee Date Claimers: please advise us of your events, that all might be encouraged and rejoice together at this time. 7th November 2015: The time of Jubilee begins Sydney: Dominican Sisters of Eastern Australia and the Solomon Islands: Celebration of Eucharist for the members and associates of the Dominican Family at Santa Sabina, Strathfield, am, Saturday 7 Nov RSVP 23 rd October Perth: Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary, Doubleview: Concelebrated Mass on the 7 th November 2015 followed by a Parish Dinner in the School Hall. Pilgrimage to Vietnam led by Fr. Peter Nguyen OP - from 20 th January - 3 rd February 2016 Brisbane: Our Lady of Graces Parish, Carina - a concelebrated Mass for the Jubilee of our Order, presided by Bishop Joseph Oudeman OFMCap, and followed by morning tea, at 9am on Sunday, 8 November Maitland: - St Mary s Priory: Our Community of Senior Sisters plans to recognise the opening of the Jubilee Year of 800 years on the 7th November, by gathering for a special home- liturgy. This will have a theme of thanksgiving as the Sisters share memories of significance from their personal Dominican stories. Our Dominican Jubilee cake will be shared and a celebratory dinner meal will follow. Solomon Islands: In Honiara, Nila, Moli and Auki Sisters and Friars will be celebrating Mass with their parish communities and friends on 7 th November, and feasting will follow! Please let us know of your plans!