How Did the Federation Come About?
The Federation of Dominican Sisters USA, born May 15, 1999, is the newest step in a dance that dates back to at least 1935. It was in January of that year that twelve Dominican Mothers General gathered for the first time in San Rafael, CA. The purpose of the meeting was: to discuss matters which would make for greater strength, efficiency and unanimity of spirit and action. Commissions were appointed to deal with the following areas: 1) Constitutions; 2) Ceremonials; 3) Religious Habit; 4) Divine Office; and 5) Training of Young Sisters. Another such conference was held in July of the same year in Norwood, OH. Twenty congregations were represented at that time. These conferences soon became annual events as sisters in Dominican leadership came together to bridge the gap that separated their congregations. After the Second Vatican Council as religious life underwent a major upheaval, the desire and need for more intensive collaboration led to further joint projects such as the Parable C
