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***A Proposed Restoration that will begin as an active apostolate with the CAMM/CCMM Medical Division.***
Lay Dominican Mary Walsh founded this community 40 years after first meeting a sick woman's weeping daughter on
a street in New York City.
After the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor merged with other Dominican
congregations to form the Dominican Sisters of Hope.
Our hope is to renew Mother Mary Walsh, O.P.'s original vision of a congregation of consecrated Dominican Sisters
to care for the sick poor in their own homes. To this vision we wish to add other services under the patronage
of St. Lucy, Martyr, in what had been our proposed charism of the St Lucy Dominicans (which may still branch off).
Women called to this charism would be able to not only serve the sick poor, but there would be other services offered
by the community, thus opening many possible apostolic fields. A woman engaged in an active apostolate who feels drawn
to this charism, and who wishes to transplant her ministry to the community, is certainly welcome to do so with the approval
of the superior.
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The habit will be the typical Dominican white with black veil, only with the distinctive heart-shaped coif worn
by the DSSP sisters. This coif was adapted for driving after Vatican II.
Those interested in this restoration are encouraged to read Such Love is Seldom: The Story of Mother Mary
Walsh, O.P., Foundress of the Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor by Anne Cawley Boardman.
The horarium of the restoration community will follow along the lines of the original charism, with rising at
5am; community prayers in the convent; going out to Mass at the local parish; then dispersing to minister in the field.
Everyone returns at around 5pm for Vespers (Evening Prayer); supper; recreation; Compline (Night Prayer) and Salve Procession.
The Great Silence ensues, and retiring for the night takes place around 10pm.
We plan for this Restoration to be another option for those drawn to the Extraordinary Form of the Latin
Rite (EFLR/Traditional Latin Mass), and for Latin prayers to be used. Please note, however, that the Mass itself will
be contingent upon the location of the foundation and the availability of the EFLR.
The age limit starts at 17, as set by canon law. We are not able to provide nurses' training at this time,
so candidates will have to have their education (and subsequent debt situation) in hand. There is no upper age
limit, as long as the older woman is capable of ministering.
We ask that those who desire admission to the renewal meet the same conditions as other communities--single,
practicing Catholic with no impediments (dependents, debts, etc.). Annullees (those with annulments) are accepted.
Non-virginity is not an issue as long as the candidate shows mental stability. Other religious are welcome, as long
as they leave their community on good terms, and are docile and can accept formation.
How will it start? Please see the "Ministry-to-Charism" page on this site.
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