On Ash Wednesday, we launched a public contest called Dominican Madness. Using the bracket framework of March Madness, we shared stories, photos, and biographical info about 32 members of the Dominican family. Sisters, staff, and the public voted for their favorites throughout Lent.
Although the voting was lighthearted, we sought to grow in holiness and replicate their deep faith during the Lenten season.
The bracket was devised from input from sisters, associates, and staff. The 32 members of the Dominican Family listed range from saints to laypeople.
According to Leeanna Varga, Executive Director for Mission, “When we began Dominican Madness five weeks ago, we had no idea where it would lead.”
“Throughout Lent, we were introduced to new saints, like “the cowboy priest” St. José Gabriel del Rosario Brochero and re-introduced to familiar saints like St. Martin de Porres,” Varga wrote. “And, as life unfolded over the past five weeks, what started as a way to learn about the Dominican charism became spiritual formation…The holy humans in our tournament lived through political and personal turmoil. They faced familial rejection and silencing by the Church. Above all, they were imperfect yet holy humans – people like us, with weaknesses and strengths, who stood up for the truth, embraced lepers, made roads through the wilderness, leaving Hope in their wake.”
The final round –a matchup between Saint Dominic de Guzman and late Dominican Sister of Hope Mary Mitchell, OP– invited voters “to reflect briefly on your own life and the life of the world.”
“Where does your spirit crave hope? Where, from your viewpoint, does the world need hope? With another impossible decision before us, we invite you to…consider which of our semi-finalists gives you hope today…” the poll read.
Saint Dominic de Guzman, renowned for his deep faith and contagious joy, reigned victorious. Although the result is perhaps unsurprising for a Dominican congregation, it reminds us of the ever-present need for Dominic’s legacy in our own lives today: over 750 years after Saint Dominic walked the Earth, it seems like we need faith, itinerancy, love for others, study, joy more than ever.
As Dominic modeled, being a member of the Order of Preachers means letting faith shine through all aspects of one’s being and one’s life. May we face today’s challenges with Dominic’s courage and rich faith. Saint Dominic, pray for us!