Dominican Nun of Santo Domingo

Dominican Nun of Santo Domingo  –  Sister (Hermana) María Josefina del Rosario, O.P.                              † This monastery is the beacon and birthplace of Dominican spirituality †

                               Motto:  “Veritas” – “Truth” – seeking it through contemplation                                                                              “To Praise, To Bless, To Preach”

                                         “O light of the Church, teacher of Truth                                                                                                         Rose of patience, ivory of Chastity,                                                                                                  You freely poured forth the waters of wisdom.                                                                                     Preacher of graces, unite us with the Blesseds.”

Founder:  Saint Dominic de Guzmán

Place:  Caleruega, (Burgos) Spain  ( *the birthplace of St. Dominic* )

Year:  1221 A.D.

Her Charism:  This contemplative nun lives in the monastery located in the city where  her founder, St. Dominic, was born in the year 1170 A.D..  St. Dominic claimed that this Order of nuns WERE (and still ARE) the “fruits of his preaching.”  This Bride of Christ is consecrated to Him in prayer, which is the very center of her life.  The Rosary which was given to St. Dominic by Our Lady is prayed daily, which contributes to the rhythm of her day.  Her mission on earth is “to make the Church fruitful by her contemplative way of life.”  By her hidden life, she prophetically proclaims that in Christ alone is true happiness to be found, here by grace and afterwards in glory.  She wears a Holy Habit which signifies purity (white) and penance (black).  This Dominican nun (“monja”, in Spanish) preaches the Gospel for the salvation of souls through a life of prayer, penance, hearing the Word of God and contemplating the mysteries of salvation.  Gathered in community she lives in harmony, having “one mind and heart in God” (Rule of St. Augustine).  Her life, far from being an isolated reality, is a maturely considered complementarity of BEING and DOING.  She praises the Lord, intercedes for all mankind, and is assiduous in study – scrutinizing with an ardent heart the Word of God, so that it may be fruitful and become nourishment for others.  Renouncing everything that is superfluous, chosen poverty and chastity allow her an alternative view of comfort and material goods in order to focus strictly on the spiritual.  This humble Dominican witnesses the love and mercy of God in the world and is a kind, gentle, maternal, warm and welcoming soul for anyone who comes to her door.                                                                                                             †  Her monastery houses a museum of religious art and historical exhibits.                                         It was founded by the King of Castile Alfonso X the Wise in 1266 A.D.  †