What's Happening

April 21, 2025, Adrian, Michigan – Sister Sharon Zayac, OP, a Dominican Sister of Springfield, Illinois, speaks on Cosmic Journey: Implications for Faith, during a retreat at Weber Retreat and Conference Center. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2025, and continues through 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

The retreat offers time for input and reflection on our evolving story as humans and as people of faith. Delving into the unfolding cosmic creation story gives us the opportunity to explore new insights into our faith, our understanding of sin, and the meaning of Jesus in our lives.

Sister Sharon has presented programs and led retreats worldwide on a number of ecological issues, but she is particularly passionate about sharing the Cosmic Creation Story and its implications for life and faith.

The cost is $180 for commuters, including lunch; and $325 per person for double occupancy, and $425 for single occupancy, which includes all meals. 

Registration is required. Visit www.webercenter.org and click on “programs,” call 517-266-4000, or email [email protected]. Limited scholarships are available.

Weber Center is on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse, Adrian, Michigan. On East Siena Heights Drive, turn into the driveway between Adrian Rea Literacy Center and the solar panel-covered carport. Follow the signs to Weber Center. For information, call the Weber Center at 517-266-4000.

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The Dominican Sisters of Adrian, a Congregation of about 370 vowed women religious and nearly 180 Associates, traces its roots back to St. Dominic in the 13th century. The Sisters minister in 21 states, the Dominican Republic, Norway, and the Philippines. The Congregation’s Vision is to “seek truth, make peace, reverence life.”
 

By Sister Maria Yolanda Manapsal
Chapter Prioress, Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter

March 24, 2025, Mining, Angeles City, Philippines – In celebration of Women's Month, the Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter and the Dominican School of Angeles City Foundation, Inc., along with social worker Liz Maricarl E. Cordero, came together to address a pressing issue: the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. 

The presentation was an initiative of the Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter, based in the Philippines, in alignment with the Adrian Dominican Congregation’s 2022 Chapter Enactment on Women. The presentation was given to the students in grades 7 to 10 to teach them how to protect themselves against human trafficking, which entraps many children in the area. About 161 people – including student advisors and some Adrian Dominican Sisters – attended the event.

This initiative aims to educate students about the risks of online exploitation and emphasize the importance of open communication regarding Internet safety. Workshops and awareness campaigns can empower parents and children with the knowledge they need to safely navigate the online world.

Liz Maricarl Cordero, a former social worker at the University of the Assumption in San Fernando, Pampanga, spoke on the rights of children delineated by the United Nations, and on the dangers to children of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) serves as a foundational document for children's rights. It emphasizes that every child should be protected from all forms of violence and exploitation. Article 19 states that children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, including physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and Article 34 states that governments must protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. This includes protecting them from being forced into sexual activity, prostitution, and pornography. Both articles highlight the need for safeguarding children against abuse, especially in the context of evolving technologies.

As children increasingly engage with the internet for education and social interaction, they become more susceptible to online threats. Predators exploit the anonymity and accessibility of the digital realm, making it essential for parents, educators, and communities to work together to create a safer environment.

Celebrating Women's Month means advocating for the rights of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable among us, our children. Let us commit to fostering a secure community that protects children from online threats, ensuring they can explore, learn, and grow in a safe environment. Together, we can champion the cause of child protection and uphold the principles set forth in the UNCRC, fostering a brighter and safer future for generations to come.

 

Caption for above feature photo: Social worker Liz Maricarl E.Cordero speaks to students at the Dominican School of Angeles City about the dangers of online sexual abuse and exploitation.