Our walk in the desert is over! After eight years of living the life of Love, we commit to reaching the next stage in our evolution!  Please see the attached letter from our presiding minister and bishop. The text of the letter can be found below the image.  Our June 2012 annual meeting will be of great value and importance to our path towards resurrection!

New formation material will be distributed after the June gathering. Bishop has asked that all reference to sacrifice be removed from your local training materials.  If you have any questions, contact me directly at OPDcommunications@live.com
-Br. John M, OPD 

May 21, 2012

Brothers and Sisters,

We have heard it said that it is the Word of God that brings light to the heart. Word, in our tradition is not just important, but Divine. It is because of this idea that today we change our words to more closely mirror the image of the Divine. Our Community has been known as the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic because we came out from the Order formed by the idea of Dominic de Guzman, founder of the Order of Preachers of the Roman way. This year marks the eighth year of our inception. Like our founder, symbolized by the eight-pointed star, we represent oneness, peace, and divinity in the world. The idea of penance is foreign to us although we chose the title Order of Penance as homage to our founder and to the generations of men and women who gave their lives to perpetuate the mission of the preacher of Love.

In these last few years we have listened closely to the Voice of Love and followed the path of Love as we have continued to do the work of evolution…putting out into the deep of Life so that we may return to our source with Love unbound, ready for the next stage of existence. We are ready now to stand firmly on the foundation of Love. We are ready now to come into our own.

We reject the idea that suffering is of value. We reject the idea that a Loving Divinity would ask us to suffer. We reject the idea that a Loving Divinity would ask its own creation to suffer in order to gain eternal life. We repent of our former belief in a God that permits His own Son to suffer unjustly for the failings of others. No loving parent would permit this. Therefore no loving Divinity can abide in this idea.

Today we pronounce with the power of God’s own voice a new name for our Community and with it freedom from suffering and penance. We have walked the path set out for us in all humility. Now we walk our own path of oneness, peace, and divinity. We lay down the idea of penance and take up the idea of Peace. We are the OPD. We stand for Oneness, Peace, Divinity.

By the authority of my voice and by my own seal, I am,

+Tomas Martin Bell, OpD

Bishop and Presiding Minister of the

Ecumenical Brothers and Sisters of OPD

God Directs the Truth of your Heart

Truth given with direction

Psalms 24:5

Direct me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art God my Savior; and on thee have I waited all the day long.

The days of old are again upon us and some have a weight of hardship to carry. Some are lonely; some are in despair and confusion.  Hold onto the love and truth you learned from God in your youth for the young are holy. Take refuge in God’s teachings heed God’s words and follow those who know God and have joy within their spirit.  Those who live with Joy have complete trust and faith in truth and have given up everything to be God’s own. Hardships will prove not to be difficult at all but a passing avenue that allows lessons of advancement to guide our ways.   When we receive the love given from our Savior nothing will harm our spirit. Recognize that you have peace, kindness and companionship.  When we open our hearts and turn to God’s teachings and strive to understand God’s word, we then merge into the waves of contentment and no doubt well ever again be within our thoughts.

Together with God’s love we are committed to keep on the true Way. The teachings receive through God’s words are the instructions we must consume in order to travel the way of Divine wisdom. Allow self to merge with peace so control of will can bring us to the joys of happiness. Think thoughts of contentment with every avenue given for even in difficulty we must stay connected to the love of our Savior.  When God’s love covers us, there isn’t anything that could bring disruption to our way.  So I say take refuge in God’s teaching, heed God’s word and follow those who know God for they have the joy within their spirit which will be given to who ever seeks knowledge of our maker. Acknowledge the gift of God and help the spirit to advance in Wisdom.  Embrace and nurture God’s gift without doubt so that our faith and trust advances to cause of Love in the world.  God will use those who have received God’s gifts, according to their understanding, to intervene in the world and come to our aid when we are with difficulty.

The Divine Father stirs and excites our spirits and brings love through truth and word to those who listen. Believe the words of peace.  Strive to understand the ways of God.  Focus your spirit on God’s guidance.  Stay in the Divine path and discouragement no longer has effect on your life and the fullness of love covers your heart.  Come to the safety of God and enjoy the waves of joy for God will always protect you for God made you and loves you unconditionally for ever.  The love of your heart will merge like the breathe given to complete the process of endurance which eliminates separation which in turn gives peace and understanding of what is and what must be.

 -Sister Dominica Marie Schiliro, OPD

He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself, lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely. - Letters of St Catherine of Siena

Experience Grace and become Creation

They that trust in him, shall understand the truth: and they that are faithful in love shall rest in him: for grace and peace is to his elect. -Wisdom 3:9 

As we embrace spirit and being, we see that there is hope in creation.  With hope comes joy.  We know that the joy of our heart will overflow into the world by the connections we have made with God's truth and love.  Joy becomes a guide for us as we walk the path of life.  As we walk in truth and love, we walk in joy.

From love comes strength.  This holy strength is the spark that lights the flame of faith inside you.  God will nurture this faith with life's own joy.  Angels will guide you to feel the love of God through trust in the gentle guidance whispered to the heart from the Spirit of God's own voice.  This voice is Grace. To hear it is to experience the connection to heavens.  This is God's own hand upon you.  True creation emerges from this process of being filled with God's grace.

Creation exists to be in the presence of God.  To be in God's presence is to be loved without being judged, to be free to live without opposition and explore the possibilities of a Grace-filled life.  Those in the Grace of  God can look about and see the angels creation moving like a breeze that brings comfort and peace to all who seek goodness.  

Those who have Grace will speak with instruction like a beam of light that will surround those who have an open heart.  This process by which God's own voice comes into the world, through Grace entering creation and then answering itself in voice, is Creation.  In this process is all the mysteries of Life.  To embrace this process is to embrace life and become the work of God.

Choose well which path you take.  Let Joy guide your steps so as to experience this process of Grace.


From Sr. Dominica Marie:
Our contentment from the joy of Grace brings the understanding of who exactly we are where we should be and what has been given to us. Creation is love given and formed by the one who brings us life, to complete and connect to this source of life and become one.  This oneness is the goal of contentment. To be within this Spirit and to feel the security of strength is what my soul strives for. This is what we are and who we are with our Messiah as our guide for his love is great and with him our existence is of love and all things are possible.

From the Letters of St Catherine of Siena:
 "I long to see you so totally ablaze with loving fire that you become one with gentle First truth. Truly the soul's being united with and transformed into him is like fire consuming the dampness in logs. Once the logs are heated through and through, the fire burns and changes them into itself, giving them its own color and warmth and power."

Embrace your nature...

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”  ― St. Catherine of Siena

My Nature is Fire
Prayer 12 of St. Catherine

In your nature, eternal Godhead, I shall come to know my nature. And what is my nature, boundless love? It is fire, because you are nothing but a fire of love. And you have given humankind a share in this nature, for by the fire of love you created us. And so with all other people and every created thing; you made them out of love. O ungrateful people! What nature has your God given you? His very own nature! Are you not ashamed to cut yourself off from such a noble thing through the guilt of deadly sin? O eternal Trinity, my sweet love! You, light, give us light. You, wisdom, give us wisdom. You, supreme strength, strengthen us. Today, eternal God, let our cloud be dissipated so that we may perfectly know and follow your Truth in truth, with a free and simple heart. God, come to our assistance! Lord, make haste to help us! -Amen.
(Taken from The Prayers of Catherine of Siena. 2nd edition. Suzanne Noffke, OP, translator and editor. San Jose.: Authors Choice Press, 2001) 

The newness of heart - Nov 2011

Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world; but be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and the acceptable, and the perfect will of God.


Reflection by Sr. Dominica:

One who has drifted to different avenues and needs the comfort of truth given by love, comes to the presence of the Father. Seeking safety to bring us what has been within us from before time, the spirit returning home to the one who gives the trueness of direction without denial even when error is made within spirit. The calmness that surrounds one is like the beginning when the maker thought of our presence and we were there. No doubts, no discouragement, nothing earthly recognized just what he gave us: love, strength, and truth. Surrounding self with the freshness of heart that is the opening mist that showers our being with the newness of direction and as we allow this to happen a security brings us forth to continue the journey we had prepared for us.

As the flowers greet the sun to warm themselves and looking for the rain to quench their thirst, we must open our hearts again to the light that brings clearness and the words that bring truth that quenches our desires to be with the love of our heart, our creator.

The Father brings a nearness of heart to those who reach for his love. He allows each to feel the breeze that brings a freshness and newness to all creation and allows growth. With him all can go forth with ease without hesitation for trust given directly brings a security of strength that allows spirit to know the truth which gives complete faith. Feel his presence, feel the comfort of love like the softness of a cloud, the freshness of a rainy day, the warmth of the sun. All this is given from him who is our creator.

Stay focused allowing nothing to distract you from what you are. For you belong to him. We are his, for we all were formed from his thoughts. This is where we began and now this is where we are for he is our instructor for he knows all and will love us forever.
-Sister Dominica Marie OPD

"In your nature, eternal Godhead, I shall come to know my nature. And what is my nature, boundless Love? It is fire, because you are nothing but a fire of love. And you have given humankind a share in this nature for by the fire of love you created us.”
-Prayer 12 of Catherine of Sienna

The Director of Our Heart

Wisdom 7:15
And God hath given to me to speak as I would, and to conceive thoughts worthy of those things that are given me: because he is the guide of wisdom, and the director of the wise:

One can feel the guidance of our Father, for he places within our path the gentleness of his ways. From creation love is shown in many different avenues. He who created us from his internal desires gives us the steps needed at each moment to see love. Look upon each that has been placed before us see the goodness of their heart which is our God. Feel the kindness installed to help with the given power of our creator. At the beginning we are given family connected from our home in the heavens that directs us to know love. As connection merges with each spirit love blooms and a growth of his ways are shown. The nurturing from those chosen by our God brings the security that forms our way. So as each moment goes by and we recognize the goodness within that comes to our path we understand what is really given with love for the instrument of his kindness is shown with every passing moment. Examples that bring the peacefulness to your soul is when a passing stranger gives you a smile, when a co worker discusses the works of our God when you are troubled and friends gather to help, this allows the openness of heart to connect to the secret corners of his ways, for all who know him come together and are one with him and he shows love.

The spirit of our God the director of our heart gives us the stillness of quiet the peacefulness of serenity and the calmness with tranquility for this is what he is our Father the one who leads.

Now my bothers and sisters as time passes and we accept his wisdom we come to know that he is the way and the light and our guide to love. As we merge within his heart the warmth of truth overflows to each part of what must be cleansed and a feeling of security blends with him for we are what he gives.

-Sister Dominica Marie


"The human heart is always drawn by love." -Dialogue 26, St. Catherine of Siena

Thoughts: Our Pathway

Proverbs 16:3
Lay open thy works to the Lord: and thy thoughts shall be directed

Thoughts that are formed by the experiences we have are influenced from the ways of others and they lead our direction. Earthly formation will be no longer when connection is made from the words and walks given with the Lord, so focus on his presence and allow the spirit to guide you to the gentleness that must be within. To proceed with his lead we must ponder his ways for with clearness of understanding we will then follow what is given, for he is the truth of all truths that leads to peace.

Peace of the heavens cannot be explained for the vision of our Lord is the illumination of grace given to all mankind when arrival of spirit is within his presence. Continue in your ways of desire and you too will have what he has to give for these will be the steps needed to reach the will of our God, for when you do what has been told all will be done in memory of him. To please him must be our only desire for this is where we began and this is where we will end. Consume yourself with his holy words and you will be holy, simple are the ways of the faithful for they know him from the trust given with understanding, for our spirit will flourish without effort for we are now within our Lord’s presence.

Thoughts and more thoughts compose our being which when allowed will bring the joys of love from the heart of our maker, our God and Lord, for he allows the light of happiness to merge with our spirit to display the ways of heaven. So chose your road wisely and come to him for what brings contentment is when we are open to the spirit so we conceive his knowledge which allows wisdom to guide our ways and bring peace and love, for this is the end and the beginning of the trueness of our Faith.
-Sister Dominica Marie OPD

"Their humanity will be conformed to the humanity of the Word and they will delight in it." Dialogue 62 -St. Catherine of Siena

Our Special Heaven

Psalms 15:3
To the saints, who are in his land, he hath made wonderful all my desires in them.


Allow yourself to drift to the unknown properties of what is; take a journey within thoughts to what your heaven would be like. Would you have family, pets and friends to surround you what is your desire? This the Father knows and will allow. Visualize the peacefulness of the surroundings that will bring to your spirit the contentment which will direct your ways, for this will be the path that will be before you when heaven comes to your sights. The light of your heart is then illuminated with the guidance of your faith for when truths are understood and merge with our Father who gives love, peaceful ways will enter for he who is our creator knows all things and understands.

Imagine the face of our God our Lord the one who has only love, feel the warmth like the rays of the sun, feel the contentment that swallows your void and brings avenues that will flourish your ways. This will be your heaven a heaven with the spreading of goodness that comes from all in his presents. Again look upon his face what knowledge does it give, it gives the understanding of your ways, your desires, your hurts, and your truths for he covers all this with his love and all will be consumed within him and this will bring peace. Like the gardens of the earth the heaven brings the fragrances that so fills our ways with pleasure, pleasure that grows each moment with the natural ways of growing as it is delivered to our spirit an overwhelming existences begins and all of what was of importance no longer controls our ways for our ways are no longer ours but his who created us for we are where we first began in the thoughts of the great one so yes we flourish with the wisdom of his breath given each moment for now we are combined with what we are him.

Give thanks and praise to him who guides us for he is the kingdom of God. Look to the heavens and know where you’ll be for in his time we will return to all the glories of our Maker the one who gives true love.

-Sister Dominica Marie OPD


"Every step of the way to heaven is heaven."
— St. Catherine of Siena

Tradition with Instruction

2nd Thessalonians 2:14
Therefore, brethren, stand fast: and hold the traditions, which you have learned, whether by word or by our epistle.

Absorbed within are the instructions given in tradition from our youth which brings direction. We must now go to a quiet place and allow the spirit to help us recall our inner thoughts of what is and what should be. Removal of our misdirection must be recognized and disbursed for when this is accomplished a light of our ways will open and all understanding will be consumed. Than retracing the journey of our Lord Jesus and recognizing the love sincerely given we must put all differences aside for even in difficulty love must prevail.

There's a time and place for every spirit, for instruction is different for each. The youth needs growth to advance and mature their ways. The middle age needs wisdom shown by the experience of the elderly for instruction is shown by example. The elderly need comfort and companionship from all, for what is done for my brother is done for me this is compassion which brings understanding to the truths of love. And so the circle begins, from the beginning thoughts are given from the Holy Spirit who brings nourishment to all for he gives the path that will lead each home. Seek and you shall find for the direction of God will be given to those who desire his ways. In the beginning he created man and women to generate the growth of his flock and as time has passed and generations have come and gone the wisdom of many still remain without the direction of our Lord. So stand up and represent the goodness of the Lord, show your presence which is connected to his ways. When you stand for what is of God with truth it will bind and allow your spirit to be filled with love. For even as he was persecuted he traveled the road of destruction accepting what was given so example of forgiveness could be shown, for only with the strengths of our God can we conceive that all things are possible as long as we believe. Standing firm with faith and trust, a joy of happiness will then surround your ways and guide you to the grander of heaven our home and our Father.

His work is never done for he is the Alpha, the Omega, the beginning and the end and those who come to him understand and know the riches given, for the light shines bright with the knowledge and words installed from before time. I will bring the light that will illuminate your heart and cover you with my strength so my children be of patience for I will guide and protect you until we meet again.

-Sister Dominica Marie OPD

Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do. -Saint Thomas Aquinas

Father, our spirit our director our God

Isaias 64:8

And now, O Lord, thou art our father, and we are clay: and thou art our maker, and we all are the works of thy hands

What is sent from above is given to bring our spirit to the fullness of love, our Father.

Look within each spirit that comes to your path and search not for what is familiar but for what is rich with love given from our maker. What is shown to each from the thoughts of our creator is especially designed for it comes to direct our ways to the gates of heaven. Each kindness that is placed within is the peace that surrounds and gives the brightness of light that will guide your path to his heart. Place and stabilize your ways to all the gentleness received from his earthly messengers for they are sent with the truths of his words.

Like the wind that travels from moment to moment so will the opening of understandings be conceived, adjust your ways to what is done in Gods' time and peace will be yours all the days of your life. Our dear gentle and understanding Father helps with the journey we must take, so be free in spirit and allow emptiness to be within your thoughts for we than can understand direction without question. Knowing that he is the whole of our being, the breath we breathe, the joy we consume, the love that directs our heart, a calmness will than connect and all will be of him that merges the ways of heaven to our path.

Keep the faith and the joy will form given from the truth and will always remain within, rely on him for we draws love and he is our love chosen before time to deliver the trueness of his work to all that need direction to his heart. Stay with the happiness of each venture look to all and see only good, dismiss what is not of God for his heart gives the sight of all eternity and as we eliminate our weaknesses we come closer to his desires which will then complete the path to our home.

As the Father looks down laughter comes to his heart for the simplest ways are preformed with the hardest of struggle, my children come to me I will direct you and give you clarity, for my heart is opened to all that turn to me. Look for me my little ones for when you are like little children you will then understand my teachings. Your Father knows all and will protect you if you allow him to intercede your ways, ponder than on the words given and allow your will to be completely connected to his for what is to be will be. Accept then his peace which he gives to cover and protect our ways for he is our love, our Father who knows all things.

-Sister Dominica Marie OPD

[The eternal Father to Catherine:] "Do you know, daughter, who you are and who I am? If you know these two things you will have beatitude within your grasp. You are she who is not, and I AM HE WHO IS." Raymond of Capua, Life of Catherine of Siena, 92

Obedience with Fortitude

Daniel 2:20 And speaking, he said: Blessed be the name of the Lord from eternity and for evermore: for wisdom and fortitude are his.

The fortitude of the spirit provides the stability needed to go forth and proclaim the words that explain his ways. Be consistence for this portrays loyalty which shows devotion and is needed to bring all to the openings of the mystery of God's love. As the spirit delights with the task given, the showing of our beloved's way is connected and a great joy enters and brings the closeness to each which is the opening to his heart.

Without resistance obedience then becomes a factor, for commitment that brings devotion and dedication allows relationships to flourish and with total submission influences and effects our thinking. Each has an obligation to others to pave the way easily so no question can arise, for the journey each must take should continue the learning with ease. As children of God we must comply for with the understanding of truth given by his words we understand and know of his ways which brings love. Look back and see all the amazing ways our Lord provided protection when obstacles crossed our path. With the prayers of many and the allowance of Jesus our many desires were covered by his love. Keep the faith and join the battle to accomplish the goodness of heart and stay within his presence and become one with God for this is the goal we must accomplish to reach the heights of our heavenly home. So be consistent with obedience and all will be what has been written before time. -Sister Dominica Marie

"Obedience unites us so closely to God that it in a way transforms us into Him, so that we have no other will but His. If obedience is lacking, even prayer cannot be pleasing to God. " — St. Thomas Aquinas

Advocates of God

John, Gospel of 3:2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him: Rabbi, we know that thou art come a teacher from God; for no man can do these signs which thou dost, unless God be with him

The ways of our God are displayed by the many advocates sent to the earth, for many avenues are brought by example and representation is displayed and shows what is needed, so look upon each within your path and when the nurturing with words come with the understanding of direction fulfills your spirit consume and hold onto what God has sent.

Many are directed from above to individuals of long ago for connection was strong and given the understanding of their ways shown in the story telling of old for this brought perseverance even in struggle which allowed the direct connection to our God. Placed before you and among you are the spirits of old infused in the persons of the present so look not for the wrongs but the goodness trying to infuse the pureness of love given so our paths can be light even in the harshness of the ways that dwell on the earth. Remember discipleship brings what must be taught to reach the havens of heaven.

Continue to teach what you have learned in your wisdom of life to others for all good things are from our heavenly creator and are given in the support of our journey on earth. When the realization of what is and what is not comes to spirit an uplifting of thoughts change to what should be. Understanding of many will be vague for staying in the presents of our true director our Lord always is a must in order to be placed to the clearness of his heart and many are not. Minute by minute the concern of what is right and what is wrong arise and decision will be made by the teaching given with true faith so stay with what brings you the closeness of heaven for this is of good and must be held within, our God is love and we are of love and when his spirit mingles with ours nothing is greater. Be with our savior for he is the light that shows the way of compassion for when given compassion, the spirit knows of compassion and spreads what is to be shown. Pray and go each day to him in that special place in your heart and peace will follow you all the days of your life.

-Sister Dominica Marie OPD

Most men seem to live according to sense rather than reason.

- Aquinas, St. Thomas

The Birth of a Spirit

1st John 1:1

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and our hands have handled, of the word of life.

Before the beginning, our loving maker formed the spirits of baby angels which brought him love and laughter. Then all was created by his hand and his ways began. Because of his joy he took his baby angel spirits and sent them to the earth to begin his line of love. This family of love continues to multiply for what was formed in heaven as jovial angels and connected to each spirit is the beginning of each of us given from our maker.

Then he gives free will which forms our soul and so the combination of spirit and soul brings us the direction of life. With the mark of heaven within our spirit great contentment is part of us and the mission placed before us will flourish with the freedom of our will. The many roads placed within our path are the avenues of lessons given to inspirer our decision to merge with the will of our God. Never separated from the line of love we stumble and fall many times but he raises us up to be connected again with choice of the heaven for this is where we began.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and as we in our beginnings have seen a part of heaven brought to us before time our spirit never parts the condition of peace we received. Stay on the path given for your joy from above comes slowly with the lead of our Father in charge for he sees our spirit and helps in connection to complete our ways to his love. So be at peace for my peace I give you with faith given in strength for your direction. -Sister Dominica Marie

Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man's own will. - St Thomas Aquinas, OP

Union with God

Jn 1: 4.7 Everyone who loves is begotten of God, and knows God.

The pure goodness given with unconditional love is the essence of union that completes oneness with God, so as we advance our ways with the spirit let us be glad of direction given from the heavens. Within we have been nurtured with the ways of the faithful for direction by an instinct that has been engraved within our spirit was given before time. We have been shown each a way that gathers peace and this develops and forms the avenue of love that will gain us the joys of happiness. Joined together is the family our God gives and as we grow with determination in the helping of one another our spirit brings love for we receive what has been given from each other. God gives what is necessary to advance the spirit: In the eyes of the sick you see the desire to help and they do. In support of the lonely companionship appears and this brings caring. In the ways of the weak strength is allowed and the path of faith is shown. Take the time in the busyness of your life to help and guide the ways of the lost to the ways of our Lord which brings love. Multiply his flock with the words given of truth for as he multiplied the fish and bread to feed his people we must follow example and feed his people with the direction of knowledge that will bring them to his ways. Console those who are sent for their needs show the giving of heart. " Love one another as I have loved you" said the Master for even in failure your creator is within. -Sister Dominica Marie OPD

"Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord

-St. Thomas Aquinas

Community of Strength

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly: in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God.


Community of His Faithful
Community is a place within heart that connects spirit to please our God. Joining of his faithful, to walk together and show example of his presents. Charity given to one another that brings assistance with love that shows compassion. Love one another as I have loved you allows the merging of will to complete his ways. Connecting with others with the same direction gives security that will enhance direction. When two or more are together he is in the middle, this is why much success is gained in the community of the devoted religious. To please our God is the mission of those who desire him with the purpose that must be of him for him and with him, we than will know complete love and truth given from his heart.

Praying together, worshipping together, and working together Gathering of two or more with the same intentions Concern for each other without judgment Helping without expectation of receiving Showing the joy brought to heart from our creator that gives peace

Never allowing one to feel the loneliness of spirit Together forming a bond of trust and a knowledge of belonging Helping each other to reach the goal of their heart for God

-Sister Dominica Marie OPD


Grant, O Lord my God, that I may never fall away in success or in failure; that I may not be prideful in prosperity nor dejected in adversity. Let me rejoice only in what unites us and sorrow only in what separates us. May I strive to please no one or fear to displease anyone except Yourself. May I see always the things that are eternal and never those that are only temporal. May I shun any joy that is without You and never seek any that is beside You. O Lord, may I delight in any work I do for You and tire of any rest that is apart from You. My God, let me direct my heart towards You, and in my failings, always repent with a purpose of amendment."
-St. Thomas Aquinas

Mother Mary our friend

Luke 1:38
And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.


Mother Mary our friend, A gift from the Father

At birth a hand is held out for us to grab onto, A gentleness that will oversee our ways and brings us to the first opening of the arms of her son. She hold us close and guides our soul to the loving ways of his heart. As we grow and look upon her, a peace comes to our spirit for we recognize her as the lovely lady that sits next to her son Jesus in heaven. The queen of the angels, our Mother
surround us with a halo of light that brings a joy of laughter to our heart, and as we proceed with happiness and trust a lightness comes to us for we know the connection between our lady and her son is the stability we need to go forth with our faith. The direction that is given from our lady is than installed in the ways of our life so what we conceive is the strength of her son.


Mother Mary shows us the way

Love is given so we can give love Kindness is shown so we can be kind
Sincerity is allowed so we can be sincere Instruction with obedience without hesitation Faith displayed so we can show trust

Our wonderful companion shows honesty and as a true friend is always there for our needs, no matter what we ask of her she give her support and directs us always to the avenues of her son, and then through her son we connect to the Father, who is our Lord, our God and our creator who gives us all that we need from his love.
-Sr. Dominica Marie OPD

To convert somebody go and take them by the hand and guide them.
-Aquinas, St. Thomas

God is Love

1st John 4:19
Let us therefore love God: because God first hath loved us

Within the protection of his arms There is a avenue given before birth a place of peace and security that brings the serenity needed to allow the tranquility of calmness to come within, so each time there is a disturbance of spirit reach with focus for the arms of our Father, here a peacefulness of contentment will bring the warmth that forms the bliss of happiness with love. Close your eyes nightly and drift into his arms, here you will snuggle into the clouds of softness where the warmth of ecstasy will begin for with true faith a blending of hearts will provide direction to where we should be, with him, our true love, our creator.

Love from Heaven

Love is the surrounding of spirit with the over whelming feeling of warmth. Love is the touching of the inner soul with contentment. Love is what brings hope from those we trust. Love is to show kindness and charity. Love is compassion and understanding Love is the teaching given from our God.
-Sr. Dominica Marie OPD

He who is filled with love is filled with God himself
-Saint Augustine

The Living Water

The Samaritan Woman at the Well in John 4:13
"Jesus answered, and said to her: 'Who so ever drinketh of the water shall thirst again; But he that shall drink of the water that I give him, shall not thirst for ever'"

The flowing of the water:
The truth of inspiration that someone gives
The acknowledgment of friendship
The feeling of security
The contentment of sureness
The peacefulness of knowing
The joys of acceptance

Like the coolness of water the honesty of direction is the realization of the rights and wrong that our spirit must conceive. The truth flows with the knowledge and understanding of his words, for what is given and taken away is guided with direction for the goodness of the soul. The drops of wisdom come to each individual when acceptance with an open heart is ready to receive wisdom.

The Father leads us and we must follow, then guided with his words we can give help to our brothers with the food of truth, bringing the flow of kindness that will console and provide the ways of the heavens to the spirit that looks for knowledge, this will then be enhanced by the whispers of our lord.
-Sister Dominica Marie


"Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen." — St. Thomas Aquinas

The Angel of our ways

Our angel, a divine being and messenger of God which brings special protection and guidance that allows one to go forth to spread the love of the heavens.

Our angel, the swirling light of honesty which brings a shinning glow that allow the joys of truth, a companionship given to keep connection to the strengths and faith formed before time.

Our angel, the wonderment of the unknown, like a fine string of gold that comes from the gentleness and caring of our maker which gives help in spreading the rays of knowledge with sincerity of trust and love.

Our angel must be called upon daily to help us in our works for the Lord,for a clearness of thoughts will be given to guide us with ease and bring success to all goodness we wish to achieve.

The presence of our angel:
Was there ever a moment of hesitation, an indecision presented to spirit, then in a single moment a powerful sureness overcomes the stillness of thoughts, this is the angel of our ways who brings to the surface what we have known deep from within, to allow the understanding to flourish and bring brightness of light to others, for whatever kindness is given must be given back to all for the formation of the true faith that proves that unconditional love is God.
-Sister Dominic Marie


"We can't have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves."
-St. Thomas Aquinas

Ascending to the Light of Heaven

The stairway of light

The laughter of children
The cooing of a baby
The love of a parent
The devotion of a pet
The sincerity of a friend
The wisdom of the elderly
The kindness from the heart
The understanding of a mistake

Above are only the beginning joys of the journey planned from our maker to his faithful. Much is given to the believer, for pure trust is the merging of the spirit into the wisdom of the ways, accept truth and prepare for one of the greatest stories ever, the adventures of your life.

Receive guidance each night
Go within to the peaceful dwelling house of our Father, where a safe haven for the soul receives comfort from the journey of your day. In the quiet of the night words are given to the stillness of your thoughts, this with the gentleness of peace will guide your ways to the truths of love, which in turn gives a calmness that surrounds spirit and allows hope to continue and give praise to our God.
-Sister Dominica Marie OPD


For even as it is better to enlighten than merely to shine, so it is better to give to others the fruits of one’s contemplation than merely to contemplate.
-St. Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologiae, II-II, 188.6)

Clarification and Faith

Clarification comes when a clear opening of heart allows the pathway of light to be visible to the spirit and with desire this can be accomplished. Faith is not the beliefs of others but the connection that allows our spirit to have truth and knowledge that will bring forth the advancement of understanding of our ways from God. Trust, belief, loyalty and devotion brings a unity that focuses heart and mind on his ways.


Prayer for the Day:
Heavenly Father I trust my life to you. I know you have a wonderful plan for me. Each day the excitement of the coming of your ways brings me closer to you more and more. This is my faith.

Thank you Father for your love,
-Sr. Dominica Marie, OPD


Comment for the day:
Feel peace, like the breeze of the wind, the warmth of the sun and the waves of the sea all given from the love of our Father to know faith. My beloved, strive with all your might, with every effort of body And soul, to behold this true light, so that you may be able to return to the source where it shines in all its brightness. Long for it, pray for it, do all you can with all your strength you can summons. Entreat those who love God to help you. Cling to those who cling to God, so that they may draw you with them into God. May our loving God help us to attain this.
-Johannes Tauler, OP

Prayer is the Strength of Our Community

Prayer
The devotional method of communicating with God for the desire of goodness from within the silence of the heart and knowing through prayer and faith he answers all in his time.

Contemplata aliis tradere (to give to others the benefits of one's own contemplation): not only an absorbtion in God but a return from him, and with him, into the lives of others.
-Fr Damian Byrne, O.P.


Comment for the day:
Many avenues are given to instruct our direction from the heavens when our hearts are open without question and prayer comes to spirit a connection of the heart brings love, for when three or more are in prayer and connected he will be within their spirit to guide their ways to bring peace to those who are prayed for.

Come join community for together we will form God’s army of love that will storm heaven daily.
-Sister Dominica Marie OPD

Verse
If you take time each day to pray, play, work, laugh, love profusely, and to thank God with all your heart, you will always have a day to remember. -Virginia J Ruehlmann

Love and Community

One Reaction to The Warmth of Love Ministry
We've all been touched by illness in some form or another either personally or through a loved one or friend. In speaking with Sr. Dominica Marie, one day about my cousin who has cancer, she told me of the “The Warmth of Love Ministry”. The ministry makes blankets for those suffering from illness. This is a little background of the Ministry: “The Warmth of Love Ministry” began when a group of kind and loving women looked beyond themselves to help those suffering with llness. Their own life experiences of watching loved ones struggle physically, mentally and spiritually with illness and disease brought them together. Since work and other obligations prevented them from being with their loved ones at all times, they decided to crochet blankets for them as a reminder of their presence in thought and prayer. From this humble beginning a ministry developed. “The Warmth of Love” now makes and distributes blankets to anyone who comes to them with a request for an ill family member. These blankets bring warmth and comfort to those who are suffering. This simple act of kindness and the knowledge that others pray for them and care about them is received with gratitude and sometimes tears by the recipients as well as their families. If you are talented in the art of knitting or crochet, the ministry would be more than happy to take a donation of a completed blanket. They also appreciate donations of unused yarn for members of the ministry to use in making a blanket or donating yarn, please contact Sr. Dominica at WOL_Ministry@hotmail.com
It was truly moving when I gave my cousin his blanket. He was so touched by the thoughtfulness and the prayers, words could not express.