We were inspired by their dedication to the works of justice and peace. On Saturday evening the crowd swelled to maximum capacity for the Eucharistic Liturgy. God had to be pleased! At the conclusion of the Liturgy Joseph Carver SJ asked all the women religious in the group to stand. As we stood the entire assembly arose, clapped and cheered as Joseph recalled that the Church of the United States was built on the dedication and backs of women religious as they continue to lead the way in the justice movement. This indeed was a moment of heartfelt emotion for us. Then the presider of the Eucharist requested that all the “elders” (those 50 and older) in the assembly stand. He reminded the young people that the elders would continue to be involved in the justice movement, but that the young too must be committed. Each young person was then blessed by an elder and missioned to do the work of justice.

    On Sunday morning, the Dominican Family met for a prayer service before we gathered at the gates of Fort Benning. During the Solemn Funeral Procession the Dominican Family gathered together behind the Dominicans for Justice and Peace banner. This was a moving experience as we stood with students from four Dominican Universities - Barry University and Siena Heights University, both sponsored by the Adrian Dominicans, Dominican University sponsored by the Sinsinawa Dominicans and Ohio Dominican University sponsored by the Columbus Dominicans. These young women and men have been inspired to carry the torch of justice for those who need the truth to be spoken. They walked, prayed and spoke for justice as they were with Dominican women from around the country and Fr. Jim Barnett OP.

   Let us all to continue to be involved so that justice and peace may be enjoyed by all!  For more information, refer to www.soaw.org. Great articles to read!

Presente! Each year the SOA vigil is a moving experience of prayer and remembrance; each year it is different as the martyred named and nameless are brought to our memory.  This year the 18th annual gathering of individuals and groups from around the nation seemed to be more solemn and subdued, but no less inspirational. Dynamic speakers such as Bishop Gumbleton, Democratic Presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Sister Mary Waskowiak RSM brought a message of urgency and hope to those gathered. This year we were fortunate in being able to attend the 10th Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice. Students and professors from Jesuit Universities and High Schools across the nation filled a huge convention hall with youthful energy and commitment.

By Sr Teri Wall and Sr Francine Schwarzenberger

Webmaster