Good morning Everyone. Welcome! Happy Feast Day!
This day is celebrated to remind us of the power of faith, the importance of truth, and the joy of proclaiming the Gospel. It is a time to reflect on the life and legacy of St. Dominic and renew our commitment to following his example.
Dominic was a beacon of light in a challenging time when he founded the Order in 1216, spreading the Gospel message through unwavering conviction and compassionate engagement. We Dominicans of Hope, Associates, co-workers, Charism Carriers, are actively witnessing to this same passion and conviction today.
And today we have among us a woman who has been studying our Dominican history and desires to make her initial Associate commitment – we welcome Amanda Chenoweth. Amanda is an outstanding woman of Hope with on-going commitment to gospel values through her life and ministry. Thank you for your witness and joy-filled Hope.
We pray together this day, for all of us, who strive to be joy-filled Preachers in the Order, filled with infectious Hope, radiating God’s love to those we encounter and following Jesus’ example for the sake of Mission through actions that speak louder than words.
Like Dominic, we recognize that community life, rooted in prayer, like in the Eucharist we share together today, will continue to nourish our faith commitment and empower us to be effective witnesses in the world. Dominic’s message resonates profoundly in today’s world, where there’s a strong yearning for Truth, meaning and connection.
Like the early Dominicans, we renew our call to bring the light of the Gospel to those who are searching, to address the heresies of our time, and to live lives that authentically reflect faith. We know and give witness to this along with the many folks we encounter each day. Those whose needs we pray for at this Eucharistic meal and by those who cross the threshold of this Center of Hope, day after day.
Through St. Dominic’s intercession, may we be empowered to be instruments of God’s grace, truth and Hope. May all, like Dominic, find strength and infectious joy in Jesus Christ as we go forth courageously sharing God’s love with everyone encountered.
Again, Welcome and let us begin our celebration.