Letter from the Prior Provincial

Our newly ordained priests at the Dominican House of Studies

Dear Friends,

I am writing this on Pentecost morning, filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit. On Wednesday and Thursday, I participated in the outdoor baccalaureate Mass and commencement exercises at Providence College. One of the graduates, Trevor Wakefield (pictured) will exchange his graduation gown for the habit of the Dominican Order when he begins his novice year on August 8!

On Saturday, I concelebrated the ordination Mass at the Dominican House of Studies that raised five of our brothers to priesthood. At each of these events, the words of Jesus in today’s Pentecost gospel occurred to me:

I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. (Jn 16:12-13)

Each graduate with their diploma as well as Fr. Isaiah Beiter, O.P., Fr. Frassati Davis, O.P., Fr. Josemaría Guzman-Dominguez, O.P., Fr. Reginald Hoefer, O.P., and Fr. Simon Teller, O.P. face an unknown future. However, Jesus promises His presence, guidance and courage in the person of the Holy Spirit. He helps each of us face the events that mark our pilgrimage to the Father’s house that Jesus has prepared for us for all eternity (Jn 14:3).

Providence College graduate Trevor Wakefield will enter the Dominican novitiate in August.

As we transition from the Easter season to the weeks of ordinary time, I invite you to pause and give thanks for the guidance of the Holy Spirit from the day of our baptism to today. With hearts open in gratitude, then ask the Holy Spirit for the gifts all graduates, our new “Fathers”, and each of us will need to face the challenging road ahead.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And enkindle in them the fire of your love.

St. Joseph, patron of our province, and our Holy Father, St. Dominic, pray for us.