Sister Dolorita Martinez, OP

“…for I know well the plans I have for you, says the Lord.”

~ Jeremiah 29:11

As I ponder in gratitude the many graces and blessings that have been showered upon me, I have come to discover God’s loving Mercy and an unfolding plan for my life.

I was born in a small mountain village in northern New Mexico, named Truchas. I am the youngest of nine children. I was born into a loving and religious family, and can now look back and see that my vocation was nurtured from the beginning within this family. My parents, Victor and Agueda, never dreamt I would choose religious life, and were as surprised as I was by my calling. After a year of college, at age 19, I joined the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters. I am ever grateful for my Dominican vocation, my loving and supportive family and the privilege of sharing my life with my Dominican Sisters.

I am especially grateful for the many and varied opportunites for ministry that have allowed me to share my personal gifts inmany diverse communities and locations.

I started first as a teacher in Junior High and High School. Early on I was called into Hispanic Ministry. I served on a diocesan and parish level as pastoral life coordinator, evangelizer/preacher, and spiritual director. I have served primarily in immigrant, marginalized Spanish speaking communities, and have been greatly enriched by these experiences.

I am most grateful for the opportunity for study and travel. I have lived a very full life, and have always been sustained by God’s grace and by the many friends with whom I have lived and/or ministered over these sixty years of religious life. I praise God for all these blessings.

Read Sister Dolorita’s vocation story.