We Dominican Sisters~ Grand Rapids are grieved at the events unfolding in our nation’s capital. As we watch and listen to what is happening in Washington, DC, we hold our nation, citizens, and elected leaders in prayer. We condemn the violent actions that seek to destroy the confirmation of our democratically elected President-elect and Vice-President-elect and, ultimately, our democracy. 

As we continue to celebrate these days of Christmas in our Catholic Christian tradition, we call on the One who is the Prince of Peace, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, to instill in our hearts and in the hearts of all people the courage and conviction needed to stand up to violence and instead create a nation that has the potential to be a light to its own citizens as well as other nations.

The excerpt above is from the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids January 6, 2021 STATEMENT in RESPONSE TO VIOLENCE AT OUR NATION’S CAPITOL. Consider joining our Congregation of Sisters and Associates in our pledge to each other and to the common good — to restore peace and dignity to our politics and government. Read our Congregation’s full statement responding to events that took place this week in Washington DC.

In the Catholic tradition, Epiphany is a time that offers us hope and encouragement that the gift of Christ can be found in our own lives. In celebration of Epiphany, we offer this prayer.

Epiphany Prayer

by Mary Ann Barrett, OP

Jesus became human –
To show us how to love:
Wholeheartedly, selflessly,
inclusively, unconditionally.

To show us who to love:
All – as sisters and brothers —
those we do not understand,
those who do not understand us,
those who surprise us.

To show us love incarnate:
A gentle touch, a challenging word,
an inquiring look, a listening ear,
a compassionate ministry, a prophetic stance.

The Christ has made manifest –
God’s Gift of Life,
God’s daily Presence,
God’s bountiful Mercy,
God’s awesome Creations
God’s breadth of Faithfulness.

We Look for “Stars” –
That direct our journey,
That offer new perspectives,
That induce wonder and awe,
That call us to risk,
That entice us to sing, dream, hope, dance, march.

We stand ready for Epiphanies –
To look for inner goodness,
To hold all things in a light grasp,
To acknowledge biases,
To accept Woe! and Whoa! grac-iously,
To humbly be “broken” and “poured.”

God be praised – now and forever.