In honor of the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans), Bishop Edward M. Grosz will celebrate a special Mass on Tuesday, May 24, 4 p.m., at the Dominican Monastery, 335 Doat St, Buffalo. (Courtesy of Kevin Keenan)

In observance of the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans), Bishop Edward M. Grosz will celebrate a special Mass on Tuesday, May 24, 4 p.m., at the Dominican Monastery, 335 Doat St, Buffalo.  

"It is such an honor to be part of a religious order that is 800 years old which has produced so many saints and blesses," said Mother Mary Gemma, O.P., prioress of the Buffalo Dominicans.  "We see it as a privilege to be part of an order which prays daily for holiness."

St. Dominic de Guzman, a teacher, contemplative and preacher, founded the order in 1215.  The Dominican Sisters have lived in a cloistered community in Buffalo for more than a century.

In 1904, Most Reverend Charles Colton, fourth bishop of Buffalo, learned about a new movement within the context of monastic life known as the perpetual rosary.  This movement began in 19th century France within the Dominican Order, and was called, "the adoring rosary," since it consisted of perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament while pondering the mysteries of the rosary.

The foundress, Mother Rose of St. Mary Wherle, of Mauleon, France, had already made four foundations: two in France and two in Belgium, before being invited to America.  She founded a monastery in West Hoboken (now Union City) N.J., and it was to this monastery that Bishop Colton turned in order to invite the Dominican sisters to establish in Buffalo.

On May 24, 1905, five sisters arrived at the Urban House and farm on Doat Street to begin their new life, where the sisters continue to reside to this day, offering daily prayers for the faithful of the Buffalo diocese; they answer prayer requests from around the world as well.

To mark the joyous events, Pope Francis has granted special Jubilee Indulgences.  Following the Mass, a buffet supper will be held in Madonna Hall.  All are welcome.  

For more information on the Dominican Nuns, visit http://opnuns.org