Congratulations and Tributes Pour in as
125th Anniversary Weekend Begins
Press Release from Senator Levin
May 15, Adrian, Michigan – A bright morning, an atmosphere of bustling anticipation and a festive gathering of Adrian Dominican Sisters, local and state dignitaries and media representatives brought the 125th anniversary weekend to a promising start on May 15. The Media Reception gave local officials the opportunity to congratulate the Congregation on 125 years of continual presence in the City of Adrian and on years of ministry and service to the community and beyond.
Sister Donna Markham, OP, Prioress of the Congregation, welcomed the guests, seated for a continental breakfast in the formal dining room in Madden Hall, and thanked them for their presence. “We’ve been on this land for 125 years,” Sister Donna said, adding that the sisters have also served throughout the nation and the world, ministering in 70 dioceses worldwide. Those attending the anniversary celebration include not only Adrian Dominicans from throughout the United States, but Dominican Sisters from other congregations in the U.S. and from Norway, France, the Philippines and Iraq.
The anniversary weekend is an opportunity not only to celebrate 125 years of “fidelity to the mission” but also to look at the Congregation’s vision for the future, said Sister Donna.
During the brief program, dignitaries from the City of Adrian, Lenawee County, and the offices of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Representative Mark H, Schauer presented proclamations in honor of the anniversary.
Adrian Mayor Gary McDowell noted that he has been influenced by the Adrian Dominican Sisters since 1971, when Sister Ann Joachim, OP, was one of the first customers of a camera store that he and his wife had opened. He spoke of the amazing influence that the Congregation has made on the City of Adrian, and of his own pride in seeing a billboard for the Adrian Dominican Sisters during a trip to Ireland. “We’re so, so happy that you’re here,” he concluded.
Jim Van Doren, Chair of the Lenawee County Board of Commissioners, and Commissioner Karol “K.Z.” Bolton, also presented a proclamation on behalf of the more than 101,000 residents of the county. In making the presentation, Ms. Bolton noted her own experience of working with a number of Adrian Dominican Sisters over the years on a variety of community projects and services. “We appreciate the dedication” shown by the sisters, she said.
Tara Clark, of the office of Representative Schauer, and Kali Fox, of the office of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow also made presentations. Representative Schauer had given a Congressional Tribute to the Congregation in March of 2009, recounting the history of the Adrian Dominicans and speaking of his “deep appreciation of the significance of this milestone.” Senator Stabenow had issued a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for “125 years of permanent presence, community outreach, and service in Adrian, Michigan.” Through their representatives, both Sen. Stabenow and Rep. Schauer expressed their disappointment at not being present at the reception because of their commitment in Washington, DC.
Recognition of this milestone anniversary was not confined to the formal dining room in Madden Hall that morning. Mary Karen McClellan, Director of Communication and Technology, announced that, as guests gathered for the Media Reception, U.S. Senator Carl Levin was reading his own tribute to the Adrian Dominican Sisters on the Senate floor. In his tribute, which was read aloud to the guests, Sen. Levin noted that the Congregation has “impacted many throughout its rich history, and I am truly delighted to recognize this impressive milestone, as well as their many important contributions over the years.” Sen. Levin’s statement will be recorded, and sent to the Motherhouse campus.
Along with the formal presentations, the Adrian Dominican Sisters received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Benedict XVI and letters of congratulations from the Master of the Order, Father Carlos Azpiroz Costa, OP; Sister Maria Hanna, OP, General Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine in Mosul, Iraq; the cloistered Dominican Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in Farmington Hills, Michigan; The maryknoll Sisters; the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, San Rafael, and Sinsinawa; the Dominican Friars of the Central and Eastern Provinces; William J. Heffernan, Chair of Barry University; and the bishops of 19 dioceses throughout the United States and Canada. The letters will be on display throughout the weekend.