Dominican Sisters of St. Rose of Lima - History
Oxford, Michigan
Founded in 1923
Origins
Unlike many of the Dominican congregations in the United States today, the Oxford Dominicans were not a branch of the Regensburg Family Tree. Their roots were in Repcin, Czechoslovakia, today called Czech Republic. In 1913, four Dominican Sisters from Repcin came to Pennsylvania at the request of a priest to share in the missionary endeavors of his parish. Over a nine-year period, the Sisters worked in Ford City and Homestead. In 1921 they arrived in Windber.
Beginnings
The congregation had its unofficial beginnings in 1923 when three postulants joined the Czechoslovakian Sisters. In need of financial assistance, two of the Sisters traveled to Detroit soliciting funds. They were invited to teach at a temporary school, later to become SS. Cyril and Methodius. Father Zalibera, the priest extending the invitation, later became the co-founder of the congregation. The small group of Sisters began to grow and the Major Superior in Czechoslovakia sent a Provincial Superior, Sr. Raphael, to take charge of the spiritual formation of the young women. She remained with them until 1940. During the next 25 years, the Sisters moved from Warren, to Pontiac and finally to Oxford, where they established their permanent Motherhouse, still used today.
Separation
World War II raised some serious communication questions for the Sisters and separation from the European Motherhouse was suggested. On August 18, 1950, Bishop Allen J. Babcock, auxiliary bishop of Detroit, read the official Decree of Separation from the Sacred Congregation of Religious in Rome separating them from the congregation of Blessed Zedislava, of Olomouc, Repcin, Czechoslovakia. Cardinal Mooney bestowed St. Rose of Lima as the patron of the new congregation.
Early Years
In the early years, Sisters served as teachers and administrators in parish schools in Detroit, Lansing, Marquette and Gaylord, Michigan. A small number also served in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. In 1948, the Pontiac Motherhouse, Menscola, was licensed as a convalescent home. The renovation of a large dairy barn on the Motherhouse grounds was completed in 1960 and St. Mary's Retreat House opened its doors for weekend activities. In the fall of that same year, Dominican Academy opened as a girls' boarding school. DeLima Junior College was founded in 1965 for the education of the sisters and later accepted lay women.
Today
In 2009, the Oxford Dominican Sisters merged with six other congregations to form the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Former Oxford Sisters continue to be involved in a variety of ministries as led by the Spirit to serve. While Dominican Academy and DeLima Junior College served their needs and have now closed, other ministries have grown and flourished in response to the changing needs of today. The Lourdes Campus, now called Lourdes Senior Community, includes Lourdes Nursing Home, Fox Manor (apartments for seniors), Clausen Manor (home for Alzheimer's patients) and the Joseph T. Mendelson Home (assisted living). St. Mary's Retreat House continues to offer retreats and Days of Recollection. Dominican Center, a smaller retreat facility, is utilized by youth groups. Vivian’s Via Rosa, a private retreat house on Scott Lake in Waterford, is available for private retreats, directed retreats and group gatherings.
