Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse - a World Within a World

I recently attended an all day retreat at the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse in Adrian, Michigan. The most fascinating part of my whole experience was that aside of the hustle and bustle of the city just outside the complex, a whole community thrived and maintained a steady order all within itself.

This Roman Catholic congregation hosts a home to one of the nation's largest functioning Nunneries. The roots of the Dominicans dates back into the mid 1800's. There is a lot of history to this piece of Holy Land here in Adrian, Michigan.

The grounds at the motherhouse is very beautiful and secluded. A winding, paved drive will take you past a large cemetery which holds many sisters that have served the Dominican. The tranquil setting is peaceful with angelic statues and quaint stone gazebos. The headstones of the Dominican sisters are placed in an interesting way. They all form large circles, with the headstone being at the foot of each plot. The sisters are buried according to their year of death.

As I made my way up to the facilities, I noticed beautiful gardens with well-kept flower beds and trickling water fountains. Several large stand-alone gongs, chimes and metal bells were scattered about to offer reflection and meditation.

A labyrinth and a cosmic walk were also on the property to bring out one's personal sense and reflection of well-being and strength. This allows one to connect with nature on their own spiritual level.

Once inside the Weber Center conference hall, I noticed as I walked in that there was a nice little gift shop that sold many religious, spiritual books and keepsakes. A wonderful place to find that special memento or gift for someone special.

There are several banquet halls available for retreats and meetings at The Dominican Motherhouse. This makes for convenience and functionality for large groups to attend at a time.

There was a resource room available full of books of reflection and self-motivation for anyone interested in reading or educating themselves.

The sisters live, work and pray right at the Motherhouse. There is a long hall connecting the Weber conference center to the Motherhouse. Once inside, it feels as if you step back in time dating back to the 1800's. Gorgeous antiquated marbled floors with tall, dark wood architecture welcome you into the Motherhouse. You suddenly know that you are in the house of the Lord.

There is an educational room that once you walk into, a sound system automatically plays and you begin to hear nuns singing in a choir. This is a very enlightening experience. As I strolled through, I glanced at displays of old antique items once worn by the founding sisters. I also educated myself on a little more history of The Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Sister Camilla Madden was the founding head prioress -- establishing her position in 1923.

The Adrian Dominican Sisters also established The St. Joseph Academy which lies adjacent to the motherhouse. This school was once a boarding house to female students wishing to gain a higher education. The school is still in working order to this day and offers a diverse educational opportunity to all children in the area.

Siena Heights University campus is also on the grounds of the Dominican Sisters. As a world-renowned private university, many students have relocated to Adrian to learn there and educate themselves to prepare for a brighter future.

The Adrian Dominican Sisters continue to carry on with their path of righteousness to this day and work at bringing peace and love to the community.