250 Dominican Sisters Who Shaped the USA

Join the Celebration

Join us as we celebrate 250 Sisters Who Shaped the USA.

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the United States of America, the Dominican Sisters Conference honors 250 Dominican women religious whose lives and ministries have helped shape our country.

From the Feast of St. Dominic on August 8, 2026, through the Feast of St. Catherine of Siena on April 29, 2027, we will share stories of Sisters whose contributions in education, health care, spirituality, social justice, and many other fields have strengthened communities across the nation.

The story of Dominican Women in the U.S. is a story begins in 1822, when nine women in Kentucky answered God’s call to Dominican life. Their “yes” opened the way for generations of vowed Dominican women religious whose courage, compassion, and commitment have enriched the United States for more than two centuries.

From Kentucky to New York, California, Michigan, and communities across the country, these 250 Sisters represent thousands more. Join us as we honor their enduring legacy—and the Dominican women who continue to shape our world today.

Dominican Sisters of San Rafael

Throughout the series, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael will celebrate Sisters whose lives helped shape our congregation, our communities, and our country. First up, we look forward to introducing Mother Mary of the Cross Goemaere, Mother Louis O’Donnell, and many more to follow.

Follow us on social media to meet Dominican Catholic women religious whose lives and ministries have helped shape the United States. For additional stories, visit the Dominican Sisters Conference website.

Featured Sisters

Mother Mary of the Cross Goemaere, Foundress

On December 6, 1850, Mother Mary of the Cross Goemaere arrived in San Francisco after an arduous journey from France by way of New York, the Panama isthmus, and California’s coast. In spring 1851, she settled in Monterey, became prioress of California’s first congregation of women religious, and opened a school for girls.

Mother Louis O’Donnell, Major Superior, 1887–1929

Mother Louis O’Donnell moved the Dominican Sisters’ center from Benicia to San Rafael in 1889, laying the foundation for Dominican College. Under her leadership, the Sisters also expanded into health care, opening St. Joseph’s in Stockton in 1899 and St. Mary’s Hospital in Reno in 1912.

We will be adding to the list . . . .