On Friday, September 26, Dominican Academy marked a historic new chapter in its 128-year history during the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit at St. Vincent Ferrer Church. In a special ceremony, the school celebrated the transfer of sponsorship from the Dominican Sisters of Peace, who faithfully guided the Academy for the past 15 years, to Dominican Veritas Ministries (DVM).

At the heart of the ceremony was a moving candle-lighting ritual, where representatives of Dominican Academy, Dominican Veritas Ministries, and the Dominican Sisters of Peace each lit a candle before the altar, symbolizing D.A.’s past, present, and future.

Sr. Pat Twohill, OP, prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Peace (second to right), emphasized the continued presence of the Dominican Sisters of Peace at D.A.

Sr. Pat Twohill, OP, prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, reflected on the meaning of sponsorship, describing it as a unique, structured relationship that ensures the Catholic and Dominican mission of a school remains strong.

“Sponsorship is a call and response, to advance the love of God, manifested in Jesus and in the ministry of the Church,” Sr. Twohill said. “It is through sponsorship that the sponsor, in the name of the Church, guides and influences a ministry so that it furthers the mission of Jesus.”

While the canonical role of sponsorship now shifts to DVM, Sr. Pat emphasized that the Dominican Sisters of Peace will remain a vital part of Dominican Academy’s story.

“As the founding congregation of D.A…when we are able, our Sisters and associates may go to events at the school, and our Sisters who are currently serving on the school board [of trustees] will complete their terms, and, if requested by the school, they or other Sisters may serve in the future,” she said. “We will also stand in solidarity with DVM as it assumes this important role of sponsorship.”

Founded with Vatican approval and affirmed by local bishops, Dominican Veritas Ministries was created to sustain the future of Dominican schools across the United States. Through its sponsorship, DVM provides:

  • Oversight of Catholic and Dominican identity, ensuring schools remain faithful to their mission.
  • Formation programs for faculty, administrators, and trustees to deepen their understanding of the Dominican charism and Catholic ethical principles.
  • Shared resources and collaboration across a network of schools.
  • Support for long-term governance and planning, helping schools thrive well into the future.

Representatives from Dominican Academy, Dominican Veritas Ministries, and the Dominican Sisters of Peace each lit candles symbolizing D.A.’s past, present, and future.

Dr. Kristin Melley, executive director of DVM, compared this new relationship to the sacrament of Confirmation, saying, “In Confirmation, you choose a sponsor—someone who will walk with you in faith, guide you, and remain present in your journey. What is happening for D.A. is similar. Today, Dominican Academy has another partner to walk alongside this incredible school community. In this profound moment of change, we recognize the Sisters’ incredible foresight and courage to imagine a future for D.A. that will last far beyond any of us.”

The enduring impact of the Dominican Sisters of Peace remains strong at D.A. today, not least through the service of Sr. Joan Franks, OP, ’59, who continues to teach and moderate several student clubs.

With the transfer, Dominican Academy joins a network of 13 Dominican schools in nine states sponsored by DVM, gaining access to a wider Dominican family united in the mission of preaching truth (Veritas) through education.

Dr. Alexandria Egler, president of Dominican Academy, expressed gratitude for both the legacy of the Sisters and the promise of this new partnership. “The Dominican Sisters of Peace are a monument of love and a wonderful example of religious devotion,” Dr. Egler said. “We thank the Sisters for nurturing and guiding us to this momentous point, and we thank DVM for accompanying D.A. into our next era.”

The mass was celebrated by Rev. Peter Martyr Yungwirth, O.P., pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer Church, and the ceremony also included reflections from Sr. Therese Leckert, OP, both of whom honored D.A.’s rich history while looking forward with confidence.

As Dr. Egler concluded, “With faith and trust in God’s providence, we will continue to educate and graduate young women who will work for justice and peace in our world.”

Story Source: Dominican Academy, Mike Benigno, September 30, 2025

Ceremony Photos: