Our History

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Our History
- Thirteenth Century
  
  1216 – Pope Honorius III approved the Order of Preachers founded by Saint Dominic de Guzman.
  
  1256 – The first convent of active Dominican Sisters was established by Blessed Emily Bicchieri.
- Nineteenth Century
  
  1822 – Responding to the call of Father Samuel Wilson, four women formed St. Mary Magdalen Convent in St. Catharine, Kentucky – the first foundation of active Dominican Sisters in the United States.
  
  1830 – Four Sisters from St. Mary Magdalen Convent set out and began a new foundation in Somerset, Ohio – St. Mary of the Springs.
  
  1860 – The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville, Tennessee is founded by four Sisters from St. Mary of the Springs.
- Twentieth Century
  
  1997 – Four Sisters from the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia start a new Dominican foundation in Ann Arbor, Michigan – Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist.
The Decree for the St. Mary Sisters

In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity, Amen.
Link to Diocesan Website
June 1, 2020
- On the invitation of Bishop David Kagan, Mother Mary Joseph, from the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, began the St. Mary Sisters of Bismarck, North Dakota.
July 22, 2020
- The Founding Mass of the St. Mary Sisters
Fall 2023
- The First Two Novices
  
  The St. Mary Sisters’ novitiate officially begins with two women receiving the habit.
Spring 2024

Construction Begins for the St. Mary Sisters' First Permanent Convent
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Summer 2024
- One More Novice
  
  The St. Mary Sisters' novitiate increased by another Novice.
Summer 2025
- First Profession
  
  The First Profession of the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience is anticipated to occur for the three novices.