Come and See: Monastery of St. Jude, Dominican Nuns

This posting is especially directed toward Catholic women readers, ages 17-28.

The Dominican Nuns of the Monastery of St. Jude, 143 County Road 20 East,
Marbury, Alabama 36051, will be having a "Come and See Day" for potential vocations on November 3, 2012, the Feast of St. Martin de Porres.

These sisters were pioneers in breaking the color line at the time of their founding in 1944 and are today among the American leaders in the preservation of Dominican Chant.  Like all the other houses of nuns officially affiliated with the Dominican Order, they use the modern Liturgia Horarum, but they chant Lauds, Vespers, and Compline in Latin according to the traditional Dominican hymn tones, antiphons, responsories, and Psalm modes.

They plan to convert their other hours to Dominican chant progressively. They also have Dominican Rite Mass when a Dominican priest is available to say it. And, like all the other Dominican nuns in the United States, they practice Perpetual Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

This is a small monastery, but has a great spirit. I have had the honor to helping them with their chant.  If you are a young Catholic woman thinking about a contemplative vocation, do consider the up-coming "Come and See" at Marbury or, at least, visiting their Vocations page.

On August 18, the feast of Bl. Mannes, brother of St. Dominic, the monastery had the joyful occasion of Sister Mary Jordan of the Holy Family, O.P., making her Solemn Profession.  A photo is to the right.  God bless Sister Mary Jordan and her community.