Unlike many of the Dominican Congregations in the United States today, the Dominicans of Oxford are have their roots in Repcin, Czechoslovakia - today called Czech Republic. In 1913, four Dominican sisters from Repcin came to Pennsylvania at the request of a priest to evangelize Slovak immigrants. The Congregation had its unofficial beginnings in 1923 when three American postulants joined the Czechoslovakian sisters. In need of financial assistance, two of the sisters traveled to Detroit soliciting funds. They were invited to teach at a temporary school, later to become SS. Cyril and Methodius. Father Zalibera, the priest extending the invitation, later became known as the co-founder of the Congregation. The small group of sisters began to grow and the Major Superior in Czechoslovakia sent a Provincial Superior, Sister Raphael, to take charge of the spiritual formation of the young women. During the next 25 years, the sisters moved from Warren, to Pontiac and finally to Oxford, where the present Motherhouse is located.

World War II raised some serious communication questions for the sisters and separation from the European Motherhouse was suggested. A Decree of Separation severing official ties from the Congregation of Blessed Zedislava was granted on August 18, 1950. We still maintain contact with the sisters in Slovakia with visits and grant writing. St. Rose of Lima was named patron of the Congregation when the when it became an American entity.

Today the congregation has 42 members. We have two associate programs - prayer associates (400) and apostolic associates (23). Our ministries include education, retreat work, parish work, preaching, health care and childcare. Sisters minister in Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin.

For more information about the Dominican Congregation of St. Rose of Lima, visit their website.