THE DOMINICAN ORDER
Laudare, Praedicare, Benedicere: To Praise, To Preach, To Bless
Saint Dominic de Guzman was born in Caleruega , Spain about 1170. His apostolic zeal of preaching and of saving souls brought him to Toulouse, France where the Albigensian heresy was rampant. In 1216, he founded the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominican Order, to combat heresy through preaching and teaching. He died at Bologna, Italy on August 6, 1221, only five years after he founded the Order. The initials "O.P." (Latin: Ordo Praedicatorum), are an abbreviation for "Order of Preachers."
The world-wide Dominican Order consists of Priests, Nuns and religious Brothers and Sisters. With Mary as our model the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines commit themselves to their calling as contemplative religious women in action, who live in joyful communities and witness to Gospel values in their daily lives by praising, preaching and blessing the Lord.
As dynamic partners in life-giving ministries focused on the integral well-being of the people, they especially serve the poor.
WHO WE ARE
The Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines was founded in Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines under the vision of Bishop James McCloskey and Venerable Mother Maria Rosario Arroyo in 1925. The Congregation belongs to the world-wide family of the papal approved Dominican Order.
Following in the footsteps of Saint Dominic de Guzman of Caleruega, Spain, the Sisters carry out the practice of preaching, with its complementary counterpart of teaching. They are also engaged in various pastoral and socio-pastoral works in countries beyond the Philippines.
A DISTINCT IDENTITY
We, the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines are called to sanctify ourselves and others, through a life centered on the Eucharist and devoted to the Holy Rosary in the spirit of Truth, prayer, simplicity, joy, service and compassion.
Faithful to the charism of St. Dominic de Guzman and our Founders Bishop James McCloskey and Mother Rosario Arroyo De La Visitation, and committed to the evangelizing mission of the Church, we participate actively in building a God-loving, humane and transformed society.
-From the Mission Statement
THE HAWAII REGION
In 1964, at the request of the Most Reverend James J. Sweeney, Bishop of Honolulu, the Sisters arrived to help meet the growing needs in the diocese for Catholic school education. Since then, the apostolate has expanded beyond Hawaii to California and Minnesota to include pastoral ministry and a care home.
Schools and Other Ministries Established:
1964 - St. Elizabeth School, Aiea, Oahu
1968 - St. Joseph School, Makawao, Maui (closed)
1969 - Holy Cross School, Kalaheo, Kauai (closed)
1969 - St. Catherine School, Kapaa, Kauai (closed)
1976 - St. John the Baptist School, Kalihi, Oahu (closed)
1987 - Rosary Preschool, Waipio Gentry, Oahu
2008 - House of Aloha, Waianae, Oahu
HAWAII REGION MINISTRIES BEYOND THE ISLANDS
The Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines, Hawaii Region are committed to sharing the Gospel wherever they are called to go.
Schools and Other Places of Ministry:
Holy Angels School, Colma, CA
Our Lady of Mercy School, Daly City, CA
St. John the Baptist Catholic School, New Brighton, MN
