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.

It is a joy to serve our Congregation and give leadership to the Direction Statement from our General Chapter. We desire to “live out of a deep center of love” as we minister to “the young, the poor and the vulnerable” with joy, building “bridges of love” and unity in our world today.

SISTER CECILIA CANALES, O.P.
CONGREGATIONAL PRIORESS

We, the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, the Congregation of the Queen of the Holy Rosary, are called to live and proclaim Jesus Christ through evangelizing, preaching, educating, and promoting justice and peace.

In the spirit of St. Dominic and of our foundress, Mother Maria Pia Backes, we witness to this call through our vowed life.

Our prayer, study, ministry, and life in community empower us to participate in the mission of Jesus, especially among the young, the poor, and the vulnerable.

Our Mission Statement

“Mary Magdalen went and announced to the disciples,

‘I have seen the Lord!’” John 20:18

Appearing to Mary Magdalen, Jesus sent her to the community to tell the good news of his resurrection. We, too, are sent to go forth and tell others the good news of God’s love.

The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, the Congregation of the Queen of the Holy Rosary,

currently ministers in California and Mexico.

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.

Center for Education and Spirituality (CES) Events

Christmas Blessings from the DSMSJ Council