Dominican Family Vocations Day 2013

Now that the fifth annual Dominican family vocations day has concluded for another year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in the day. There were 20 men and women who came today (Saturday March 2nd) to learn more about the the four branches of the Dominican family - the lay Dominicans, friars, enclosed nuns and apostolic sisters. It was a great joy for us to host them here in Saint Saviour's, Dublin and to be part of their ongoing journey of discernment.

Special thanks to all those who spoke on behalf of the four branches of the Dominican family and related their vocation stories - Sr M Cathy Howard OP (Dominican nuns, Drogheda), Sr Paidrigin McKenna (Cabra Dominican sisters) Mr Donal Ryan (Lay Dominicans) and Br David McGovern OP (friars). The quality of all four inputs from these speakers was excellent.

Our deep gratitude goes to Dr Andrew O' Connell (communications director of the Presentation Brothers) for his keynote input on vocational discernment.

Finally, to the other members of the organising team - Sr Kathleen Fitzsimons, Patricia Kelly and Sr Mairead Mullen - thanks also for the hard work and dedication. We we warmly hosted by the friars of my own community of Saint Saviour's in Dublin to whom we owe a debt of thanks to the prior Fr Eddie Conway OP.

We're looking forward to next year already!