SISTERS OF SAINT DOMINIC, ADRIAN, MICHIGAN
After Vatican II, and the Adrian Dominican Renewal Chapter of 1968-1970, open placement became an option for the membership. Previous to that time the works of the Congregation were in teaching, nursing, and the social fields. In regard to the diocese of Cleveland, the various ministries and a partial list of the places where the Adrian Dominican Sisters have ministered has already been noted.
In such a brief summary, it is impossible to review the glories, struggles, griefs, and accomplishments of the past, nor to know the beauty that has been. The Adrian Dominican Congregation is a testament of generations of women, enduring and brave-hearted, who have cherished the vision transmitted to them even when it seems dim. Their history continues to form them long after its particular happenings and generations are past and gone. They know that the Holy Spirit never ceases to speak to them through a changing, deepening knowledge of themselves as women who have come together in faith and life for the mission of Jesus Our Lord.
THE CLEVELAND SITUATION was unique. In the early 1900's the Adrian Dominican Congregation served three schools, St. John Nepomucene, (1902), St. Lawrence, (1913), Nativity, B.V.M., (1909). Each one favored its own language. The pastors were apostolic men, warm hearted, and kind to the sisters, and cooperative with Adrian. Since communication with parents and children was important, pastors saw the need of getting their own candidates back to teach in the school. Some of the candidates, however, did not wish to return to their own parish. The candidates preferred to teach in schools away from their family and friends. In the honoring of the candidates ' wishes, many of the requests requesting the return of the candidates to their home parishes, were denied.
Many of the letters from the pastors in the Cleveland diocese reflect the warmth and appreciation for the Adrian Dominican Sisters and their work. In a letter dated. June 3, 1927, to Mother Augustine Walsh, Father J. J. Oman writes: "Regarding the other Sisters, well, if possible, and if they so wish, send them back, We Want Them All." In another instance, when Father Oman was asked if the parish convent could be used during the summer, he rejoiced. It was privilege to have them, and furthermore, he provided every comfort and convenience for them.