Tale of Three Sisters

One, among the many blessings of Dominican life, is our connections around the world and the ways social media keep us connected.

Recently I was at Sinsinawa for a meeting but also invited Springfield IL (Beth) and Iraqi (Habiba) Dominican Sisters to visit. 

Beth and I have traveled to Iraq to be with the Dominican Family there and Habiba was a welcoming host to us. Now she is on sabbatical learning English. 

Habiba also spoke to the Sisters at the Mound about life in Iraq since ISIS swept across the Nineveh Plain on August 6, 2014.  I have frequent shared news with my Sisters but the opportunity to hear firsthand account was so important.

During the visit, Habiba asked Beth and I how we became friends.  I told her, that while Beth and I knew each other, it was our first trip together to Iraq and Habiba’s community that led to our friendship.  I also shared that the days we had together at Sinsinawa deepened the friendship for the three of us.  They agreed!

It is shared memories and experiences that deepen the bonds of affection in the vowed life.  It takes time, grace and a willingness to be there for each other.

If you are discerning the vowed life, what are you looking for?  How will this story help you?

Roberta Popara, O.P.

North Palm Beach FL