Sister Diane Zerfas, OP
On August 8, St. Dominic’s Feast Day, the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids celebrate his 800-year-old vision of transforming the world through Love.
Dominic valued right relationship and these ideals help ground our Congregation’s mission to be in right relationship—with community, with family and friends, and with our Creator.
Like all the Dominican women and men who came before us, the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids believe that by living intentionally, in community with others, sharing joy and blessings, extending love and mercy, praising God through many forms of prayer, we can transform the world.
Dominic’s Teaching
“From the beginning of the Order (1215), St. Dominic and the early contemplative nuns referred to `The Holy Preaching, encompassing all they were and did,’” teaches Diane Zerfas, OP.
The Holy Preaching is:
- the bonds of community which soften our sharp edges and support us in our ministry.
- our shared prayer in community, in worship with the larger Church, and in contemplative moments alone.
- the power of our study undergirding our preaching through Scripture, the natural world, the thoughts and writing of our ancestors, and the dailiness of life.
- preaching as the ministry and charism of our Order, in the pulpit, in the classroom, in word and writing, in the way we live.
- living out the great commission of Jesus to the disciples: Go out to all the nations, preaching and baptizing, spreading the Good News of salvation.
This sculpture of Saint Dominic and Azra is located on the Marywood Campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was sculpted by †Sister Phyllis Mrozinski, OP. (1930-2017)
About the author: Sister Diane Zerfas is coordinator of the Center for Spirituality at Dominican Center and regular program presenter. She is also a Spiritual Director. Her work and words guide others seeking faith formation and ever-deepening personal faith experiences. Each new season at Dominican Center presents opportunities for vowed religious and lay women and men of all faith traditions to study, dialogue, and retreat. She is also a member of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids Leadership Team 2024-2030.
