Blesseds Diana and Cecilia: The Praying Heart of the Order

You are so deeply engraven in my heart that the more I realize how truly you love me from the depths of your soul, the more incapable I am of forgetting you and the more constantly you are in my thoughts; for your love of me moves me profoundly, and makes my love for you burn more strongly... 

Bl. Jordan of Saxony to Bl. Diana (Letter 25)

To anyone discerning religious life, one of the most striking and attractive features of the Dominican Order is its remarkable unity. For over 800 years, the Order of Preachers has remained undivided — a single family under one roof. This is no mere historical accident. It speaks to the genius of our founder, St. Dominic, whose greatest legacy is the Order itself: a form of life built on communitarian governance, representation, and continual reform.

While not identical, this structure might loosely resemble the "checks and balances" found in modern civil governments. Each part of the Dominican family — friars, nuns, sisters, and laity — has a voice and role within the Order, all contributing to the common mission of preaching in distinct but unified ways. Together, we form a harmonious body, united in truth and mission.

Today, we celebrate two early pillars of that family: Blesseds Diana degli Andalò and Cecilia Caesarini. These women personally knew St. Dominic. Bl. Diana professed her vows to him in 1219, while Bl. Cecilia first encountered him during his reform of her Benedictine monastery. Moved by his zeal and sanctity, she begged to join the fledgling Order of Preachers. In fact, it is from Bl. Cecilia’s recollections that we have one of the earliest and most vivid descriptions of St. Dominic’s appearance.

Their paths crossed when Bl. Diana founded the Monastery of St. Agnes — later joined by Bl. Cecilia — under the guidance of Bl. Jordan of Saxony, Dominic’s first successor as Master of the Order. From this monastic community, we still have dozens of letters exchanged between Bl. Jordan and Bl. Diana. These letters radiate with warmth, spiritual affection, and a deep sense of shared mission. They are a testament to the beautiful and enduring relationship between the friars and the nuns. (For an excellent collection, see To Heaven with Diana!)

This closeness continues today. We Dominicans still joke that if you want to know what’s going on in the world — or in the Order — you should ask a cloistered nun. Though physically enclosed, they are far from cut off. They receive visitors, keep up with news, and stay in touch with the friars so that they can direct their prayers and love most effectively. They are, quite literally, the praying heart of the Order.

Here in our province, we are blessed with the presence of two contemplative monasteries: St. Jude’s in Marbury, Alabama, and the Monastery of the Infant Jesus in Lufkin, Texas. We are also supported by the joyful witness and work of apostolic sisters — the Congregation of St. Cecilia, whose motherhouse lies at the heart of our province in Nashville, and the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, who maintain several convents throughout our province. Whether active or contemplative, the sisters are our co-laborers in the vineyard of the Lord, preaching in the footsteps of St. Dominic and lifting up all the faithful through their unceasing intercession.

Today, as we honor Blesseds Diana and Cecilia, we give thanks for their pioneering witness — women who loved the Order deeply, helped shape it in its infancy, and continue to inspire us today. Through their prayers, may the Dominican family continue to grow and thrive here in the Southern United States and throughout the world.