Mother Maria Pia Backes (1852–1925), foundress of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. Her unwavering faith and vision continues to inspire generations.

            Archivist: S.M.Catherine Antczak O.P.

Dan and his brother Nick Sciabica and their spouses joined the Sisters on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, for Mass and Lunch.  It was a beautiful and sunny day, when Sister Jane welcomed the family and escorted them into the Chapel,where Sister Celeste Botello, Congregational Prioress, welcomed them.  During the Intercessory Prayers, our Chaplain, Fr. Carl Seewald SVD, prayed God's abundant blessings upon Dan and the entire Family and Company and also prayed for Nick's son, Jonathan, for healing through the intercession of Carlo Acutis (the first Millennial Saint on the Path to Sainthood). After Mass, the Sisters gave a warm welcome to the Sciabicas as they entered the dining room for a festive luncheon.  The Sisters expressed their wholehearted gratitude to Dan Sciabica, his parents, and family for producing the Dominican Sisters olive oil from the Sisters' historic olive trees for 25 years at the Company's expense.  Sister Celeste and Sister Rose Marie Hennessy, former Motherhouse Administrator, presented a Peace Plant, a Plaque of Gratitude, and an engraved crystal cube for each of them and for Jonathan, Nick's son, and CEO of the Company. It was a lovely 25th Anniversary Gathering and before the Sciabicas left, the Sisters sang their Dominican Blessing for them all.                                                                          

A Journey of Growth, A Moment of Celebration

With the school year ending, we recognize the graduates of our Mission San Jose-sponsored schools.  Their journeys have been filled with learning, reflection, friendship, and faithful discovery—and now they step forward, shaped by the Dominican spirit that has guided generations before them.

St. Catherine’s Academy – Anaheim. We honor the young men of St. Catherine’s Academy who have been formed in the Dominican charism. Their years of formation have shaped them into thoughtful, courageous leaders, ready to serve with character and heart. As they take their next steps, we send them forth with gratitude and faith.

Immaculate Conception Academy – San Francisco. The graduates of ICA have walked a path of purpose, rooted in faith and fueled by a passion for justice. These young women leave with sharp minds, compassionate hearts, and a commitment to building a more equitable world. We celebrate all they’ve become—and all they will do.

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy – La Cañada-Flintridge. On the hilltop, a new generation of graduates rises. At Flintridge Sacred Heart, these young women have grown in wisdom, creativity, and grace. Grounded in Dominican values, they step into the world with courage, conviction, and joy.

With love and blessings to each graduate and their family: we give thanks for the light you’ve shared in our communities, and we send you forth with hearts full of hope. The world is waiting—and so are the lives you’ll touch.