What's Happening

September 23, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – In the presence of members of the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce, Sisters, Co-workers, and friends, the ribbon was cut marking the public opening of the new History and Archive Center on the Motherhouse campus.

During the September 21, 2026, event, visitors toured the new facility, which features an extensive history exhibit, archive, facilities for private historical research, and offices for Co-workers who manage the archive and exhibit. The building also includes an outdoor patio and kitchenette.

The name of the exhibit, “A Place of Pilgrimage,” is a reference to a quote by Mother Benedicta Bauer, OP, Prioress of the Dominican Holy Cross Convent in Ratisbon, Germany: “We go, we travel constantly, for our life is a journey and this world a place of pilgrimage.”

After cutting the ribbon, Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, welcomed guests to the History and Archive Center. “We really see this center as the place that tells the story of how we Dominicans came to Adrian,” in addition to the Congregation’s Mission and ministries, she said. The Adrian Dominican Sisters “carry this sacred place [Adrian] with us wherever we go. We hope you will find this as a pilgrimage for yourself, a place where you can connect to a parallel meaning in your own life.”

Melissa Tsuji, Director of the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce, thanked Adrian Dominican Sisters “for your rich history and the impact you have had on us.”

Construction of the 12,000-square-foot History and Archive Center began in early 2025. Even before construction began, however, many people were involved in the designing and planning of the building. Lisa Schell, Congregation Archivist and now Director of the History and Archive Center, worked with The Collaborative, an architectural firm based in Toledo, to design the building. She also made recommendations on the design of the archive itself. 

Adrian Dominican Co-workers Jennifer Hunter, Chief Operating Officer; Joel Henricks, Executive Director of Property Operations; and Sara Stoddard, Chief Financial Officer, worked closely with The Collaborative and with builders Krieghoff-Lenawee. 

In addition, Sisters, Associates, and Co-workers worked together to produce the content of the History and Archive Center that was brought to life by Hunt Design, of Pasadena, California.

The History and Archive Center is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month; and noon to 4:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. Those desiring a tour at other times may make an appointment at 517-266-3583 or [email protected].

Caption for above feature photo: Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, center left, and Lisa Schell, Director of the History and Archive Center, prepare to cut a ribbon marking the public opening of the space. With them, from left, are Melissa Tsuji, Director of the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce, and General Council members, Sisters Lorraine Réaume, OP, Corinne Sanders, OP, and Frances Nadolny, OP, and Chamber Ambassador Geraldine Boykin.

November 19, 2019, Chicago – Sister Xiomara Méndez-Hernández, OP, was one of more than 34,000 people to become United States citizens in mid-September during 316 Naturalization Ceremonies nationwide in celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. She participated in the Naturalization Ceremony at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Field Office in Chicago.

“People were in tears,” Sister Xiomara recalled. “I saw a lot of gratefulness and a lot of accomplishment. For me, it was a commitment.”

Sister Xiomara met the Adrian Dominican Sisters in her home country, the Dominican Republic, and was an Adrian Dominican Associate for three years before she entered the Congregation in 2008. At that time, she had her own fashion design business. She now ministers as a chaplain at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois.

Sister Xiomara receives her Certificate of Naturalization.

Deciding to become a U.S. citizen was a “discernment,” Sister Xiomara said. She had been a resident of the United States for seven years – that was two years beyond her eligibility for citizenship. “For some reason I was comfortable being a resident.”

“Not many people have the blessing and privilege of going to the next step” of citizenship, Sister Xiomara said. “It was a long process,” Sister Xiomara recalled. “The Congregation had to send a letter saying I’m part of the Congregation and a resident in good faith ... and also proof of work, that I was working full-time and was an asset to this country.”  

Sister Xiomara had her fingerprints and picture taken in January and was given information on the test she would take in August. “I had to memorize 100 questions – a lot of history of the United States.” She studied for the test while driving, with the help of a CD and an app. “I could recite every answer,” she said. She received word right after taking the test that she had passed and waited to learn the date of the Naturalization Ceremony.

Sister Xiomara recalled the kindness she received from immigration officials during the process of becoming a citizen. “They greeted me with so much dignity and respect,” she said. “It was a very good experience.”

Being a citizen makes it easier for her to travel overseas, Sister Xiomara said. Before, she had to apply for a special visa every time she traveled to Europe. “If you are a North American citizen, you don’t need a visa for so many places,” she added.

But Sister Xiomara sees an even greater advantage to being a U.S. citizen. “Being a citizen gives me a chance to have a full voice in this country.” She recalled being hesitant to speak out as a resident. “Now I have a voice for the voiceless who don’t have a pathway to citizenship,” she said. “I’m praying so hard and consistently so the [immigrants] don’t have to be afraid any more. This is my hope and my dream.”

“I feel a part of all of you – all of my Sisters who are native citizens,” Sister Xiomara added. “We are united for justice, for peace, and for reverence of life. I see more power to do this now as a citizen.”