DOMINICAN SISTERS BRING HISTORY TO LIFE IN NEW DABSJ SPACE
“I was part of this!”
In August, 96-year-old Sister Mary Lee Pitre, O.P. proudly strolled into the new DABSJ building, greeting each person as she went. She is one of the last few living Sisters who once worked at St. John’s Home – and as she entered the new space, she wanted everyone to know.
The Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids were at DABSJ for a Tea, Tour, and Tribute event as part of the order’s homecoming celebration. The Sisters cared for children at St. John’s Home (what is now DABSJ’s Residential Treatment program) for over 80 years, starting back in 1889, and continue to be involved today through volunteering on the board and committees.
As over 50 sisters toured the new space, they got to see their order represented on the History Wall, in a conference room named in their honor, and in a sensory room made possible through their own generous gift.
The day was a beautiful connection between the historic legacy of DABSJ’s past, and the hope of our community’s bright future as represented by the new facility.
It all came together as the sisters lifted their hands in song to bless the new building, praying for healing and light.
The heart and care of the Sisters, and you our supporters, are a guiding light for DABSJ as we work to keep children safe and help families thrive.
