What's Happening

April 8, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – Several Adrian Dominican Sisters and Associates were among an estimated 8 million people who participated in more than 3,000 No Kings rallies across the United States and around the world.

The No Kings rallies – held three times since the inauguration of President Donald Trump – have been organized by a coalition of grassroots organizations to give participants the opportunity to stand up peacefully in favor of democracy and against policies and actions that undermine it and could lead the United States into a monarchy or dictatorship.

Several of the Adrian Dominican participants of the March 28 No Kings rally took time to reflect on the experience.

Sister Kathleen Schanz, OP, participated in one in St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the site of the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good, 37, and Alex Pretti, 37, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in January 2026. Sister Kathleen marveled at the size of the rally, which drew about 200,000 people. “I was deeply moved as I witnessed and participated in this event with this city and its people, who have experienced so much violence over these last months,” she said. “Inspiring!”

Associate Connie Brady attended a rally in Felton, California, and described the No Kings events as “a path to show up and speak out, with my community, in a nonviolent expression of opposition to oligarchy. The issues are too important to remain silent.”

Connie also sees the rally she attended as an “experience of hope. Hope that grassroots strategic actions will shape political outcomes and protect free and fair elections. Hope that we can elect public officials who respect human and climate rights and will enact structural reforms to protect them.”

Connie also found hope from a young mother who stood beside her and explained her own reasons for attending the rally. “We’re here because everyone has a right to be free and say the things they believe,” Connie recalled the young woman saying. “See everyone here and think about all the other people in the world. They deserve to be safe and happy and have a nice warm bed at night just like us.”

Associate Sharon Pikula stood up for her beliefs during the No Kings rally in Olympia, Washington. Along with members of the International Dances for Peace organization and with others at the rally, she expressed her beliefs through dance, voice, and movements on the Capitol lawn.

“It was delightful as well as purposeful,” said Sharon, who frequently joins the local group as they share simple songs of peace from “a wide variety of religions, spiritualities, and cultures.” She spoke of the “great energy and hope” that arises when a group of people “join their voices and hands together.”

Sharon was especially struck by the words of Circle Round for Freedom by Linda Hirschhorn: “Circle round for freedom, circle round for peace, for all of us imprisoned, circle for release. Circle for the planet, circle for each soul, for the children of our children keep the circle whole.” At the words “circle for release,” Sharon said she “prayed for those in immigrant detention centers, those imprisoned by war and prisons created by our families and societies and, yes, our own doing.”

Sharon sees the need to add music and movement “to move us ever so slowly down the path of oneness and see the light of Christ in all. I could easily imagine St. Dominic joining our circle as a way of broadening out his nine forms of prayer. He would be right with us.”

At her rally in Florida, Sister Rosemary Finnegan, OP, was impressed by a young woman, mother, and artist she and her fellow parishioner, Meghan, met during the rally. The woman had traveled to Ukraine and studied art in Russia. “This is her first rally and she participated because she wants a better world for her 2- and 4-year-olds.” 

“This encounter is an example of the community spirit and camaraderie that existed in all the rallies I attended,” Sister Rosemary said. “They have one purpose, however, and that is to change this regime and establish order and freedom once again.”

Associate Noraleen Renauer, who attended the rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan, said she participated because “I wanted to be counted. Walking into the crowd (with cane), I found everyone there: Millennials, Boomers, Gen. Z, and children.” Noraleen said the atmosphere of the rally was one of peace and camaraderie. “We were ‘everyday’ Americans, gathered to stand for democracy and the Constitution; This was why we were marching. I thought to myself, ‘This is the Body of Christ,’ as tears welled up in me.”

Noraleen noted that, 24 hours later, she was in another march: the Palm Sunday procession. “In each instance, I saw the American culture of individualism being transformed into the Beloved Community,” she said.

Numerous Adrian Dominican Sisters, Associates, and Co-workers gathered at the No Kings Rally in Comstock Park, Adrian. Sister Theresa Mayrand, OP, perhaps captures what many of them experienced. “I was impressed with the peacefulness at the rally – the smiles, the friendliness of those who participated,” Sister Theresa said. “It was cold, yet people came to show their conviction of the importance of democracy and their resistance to the chiseling away of human rights. They came to stand up for immigrants and for liberty.”

 

Feature photo at top: From left, Sisters Joyce Caulfield, OP, Corinne Florek, OP, Rosemary Abramovich, OP, Kitty Bethea, OP, and Beverly Stark, OP, participate in the No Kings rally in Comstock Park, Adrian. Photo submitted by Sister Sharon Spanbauer, OP

November 26, 2025, Adrian, Michigan – The Adrian Dominican Sisters received the Catherine Cobb Everyday Heroes Award in the category of Justice/Court during a ceremony that recognized heroes in 11 categories. The 10th Annual Everyday Heroes Celebration, sponsored by Catherine Cobb Safe House, took place on the evening of November 6, 2025, in the Adrian Armory Event Center. 

In addition to Justice/Court Hero, recipients were recognized as Animal Rescue Hero (for people or animals), Community Hero, Human Services Hero, Youth Good Samaritan Hero, Adult Good Samaritan Hero, Educator Hero, Law Enforcement Hero for paid staff or volunteers, Faith-Based Hero, and Military Hero. 

“There are many people in Lenawee County who provide help and hope to others every day, and we’re sure that every day someone in Lenawee County takes some action that rises to the level of heroism,” Jill Hicks, Executive Director of Catherine Cobb, noted in an acknowledgement printed in the program. “We may not be aware of all these everyday heroes – these wonderful, caring people who sometimes risk their own safety to help others or give of their time so generously to lend a hand when needed – but we are proud to honor some of those very special people tonight.”

The Congregation received the Justice/Court Hero award for years of work for local people who are unhoused; immigration services; and advocacy and work against the death penalty and human trafficking.

“For decades, the Adrian Dominican Sisters have embodied compassion, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to justice,” James E. Van Doren, Chair of the Lenawee County Board of Commissioners, wrote in a tribute to the Congregation. “Through your advocacy, education, and outreach, you have supported fairness and dignity for all individuals in our community. Your tireless efforts to promote peace, equity, and understanding have strengthened the very foundation of Lenawee County.”

Sister Frances Nadolny, OP, General Councilor, accepted the award on behalf of Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Congregation, and the Adrian Dominican Sisters. She specifically thanked Jill Hicks, Executive Director of Catherine Cobb, and members of the Board of Directors. 

“For 47 years the people of Catherine Cobb have been heroes to everyday victims of domestic violence,” Sister Fran said. “We salute you, too, as we proudly accept this award for our work in social justice.” 

Catherine Cobb Safe House offers a variety of services to the survivors of domestic and sexual violence. These include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency housing, basic needs, individual and group therapy, personal and legal services, education, and transitional supportive housing. 

The Adrian Dominican Sisters are long-time partners with Catherine Cobb Safe House, with Sisters serving as members of its Board of Directors. Catherine Cobb has also received support from the Congregation through Ministry Trust grants, given to nonprofit organizations in which Adrian Dominican Sisters minister, volunteer, or serve on Boards.   

Attending the celebration with Sister Fran were Adrian Dominican Sisters Patricia Leonard, OP, a recent Catherine Cobb Board member; Nancy Murray, OP, current Board member; Attracta Kelly, OP; Tarianne DeYonker, OP; Durstyne Farnan, OP; Theresa Mayrand, OP; and Mary Jane Lubinski, OP.

Sister Fran said the Everyday Heroes Celebration was attended by current honorees and their guests, past honorees, people who had been nominated, and people involved in Catherine Cobb. She was especially inspired by hearing the stories of other award recipients. “I was moved by the generosity of people and the fact that everyday folks were being recognized for the good things that they do,” she said. “It made me feel good to know that people are so caring and look out for each other.” 
 

Caption for above feature photo: Sister Frances Nadolny, OP, General Councilor, displays the Everyday Heroes Award.