This past May 20 through May 25, Deacon John Hoffman, Coordinator of Dominican Ministries, and three students, Esther Hartzell, Earl McCoy and Zaida Velazco attended the Dominican Preaching Conference on the campus of Malloy College in Long Island. Students and staff from Dominican Colleges all over the United States and Puerto Rico were in attendance, with over 90 participants.
The conference allowed them to immerse themselves in the Dominican Tradition as articulated by the many Dominican Sisters, Brothers and Priests who helped to conduct the workshops and activities. Students were encouraged to see how they can live out the pillars of the Dominican charism; Study, Prayer, Community and Service. The commonality among the different college groups was striking, all of us realizing the central Dominican spirit that underlies all that we do.
Saint Dominic, the founder of the Dominicans, was known to be a joyful preacher.This joy was evident in all the presentations and activities of the conference, and this spirit was put into action in service in a number of areas surrounding the Molloy College campus. Deacon John and the students also worked on strategies to bring back to Albertus, focusing on ways to enhance the Dominican spirit all through the campus community.
This Dominican Preaching Conference has been ongoing for over 20 years, and changes location every two years. This coming May it will be on the campus of Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan. Any present student or staff member of Albertus Magnus College is encouraged to consider attending this most worthwhile conference. At our Dominican forum in the fall at Albertus, the student participants from this past year will present their experiences to the Albertus community.
To learn more, contact Deacon John Hoffman, Coordinator of Dominican Ministries, hjhoffman@albertus.edu.