Our Founders

Lucy Eaton Smith was born in New York City in 1845. She spent much of her time with her grandmother at her mother's home in Ft. Edward, NY. She was deeply concerned about the spiritual well being of women in a society that did not allow women to vote or hold public office. Many religious communities of her day were attending to the education of children and to the vast numbers of immigrants pouring into the country.

Lucy was different. She realized that women were frequently alone in their personal struggles or left without resources to explore how God was working in their lives. She set about to provide a place of quiet and prayer for them. It was a hard road, she was frequently rejected or refused support. But eventually, she established the first retreat house for women in the United States near Albany NY in 1882.

Lucy Eaton Smith's sister Lilly McIntyre Smith was instrumental in bringing Lucy's hopes for women to life. They were great collaborators who worked together on a common vision. Lilly was an organizer and a natural leader who brought the Dominican Sisters into new areas. She established the original Motherhouse in Albany NY where scripture classes were held, catechism classes were offered and retreats were. She established the congregation in Philadelphia and Cuba just before she died in 1901.

Lucy was especially fond of the Spirituality of St. Catherine de' Ricci, a 15th Century Italian Dominican who was a woman of great contemplative spirit and compassion. She was an excellent administrator and was well known for her life of prayer. Lucy embraced Catherine as the patron of our congregation.

131 Copley Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082
215-635-6027
Contact us

The Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de' Ricci invite you to learn more
about our worldwide Dominican Family, the Order of Preachers.
Visit us online at www.domlife.org.