Catholic Online REPORT - It was reportedly one of the most watched shows in years, this past February, when the Dominican Sisters of the flourishing convent in Ann Arbor, Michigan made an appearance on Oprah. Having previously abandoned Oprah for her politics and new-ageism after years of following, I was a little anxious in February at the treatment our dear Sisters would receive at the hands of reporter Lisa Ling and Harpo producers. But happily, such concern was unfounded. It was a respectful, joyful report that revealed Christ and His Church to the whole world through our fresh-faced Sisters.Later in the year, the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist made news again. In the waning days of October they signed a contract to buy the JPII Cultural Center in Washington, DC, to be used as a House of Studies for the continuing education and formation of their Sisters. It seems the acquisition was just in time, as the vocations continue to "pour in" for the Order.Through profession of the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, along with a contemplative emphasis on Eucharistic adoration and Marian devotion, their community exists for the salvation of souls and the building of the Church throughout the world. Their apostolate, as spiritual mothers, is the preaching and teaching of Truth, and it is burgeoning with fruit. Through their call, the Sisters feel that wherever the Holy Spirit leads them is where there is the greatest need for their charism. Indeed, Washington is certainly one place where the truth, beauty and joy of the Catholic religious life of these Dominican Sisters will be like the freshness of springtime blowing away stagnant winter air. Now it seems the Holy Spirit is happily busy pointing a delighted finger to one of His thriving religious orders in the heart of the Church, by thrusting them once again onto Oprah's world stage. Was it simply ratings that drew Oprah to invite the Sisters of Mary to a repeat appearance, or has a radiant Jesus captivated her through His glowing nuns? One can only speculate, but the Sisters seem excited about Wednesday's taping, saying "it was beautifully done." Little do they know that we are all as excited as they, as one in Christ, we stand to applaud the Holy Spirit as He renews the face of the earth, even as we kneel and weep for its profound need. Set the TVO. The new show will air next week, November 23, 2010.
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