Join us as we celebrate the Center at Mariandale in its 50th year! For decades, Mariandale has been a gathering place for those seeking to connect with God, themselves, and with the beauty of nature. Thousands of people have passed through our halls on retreats of many kinds: health and wellness, interfaith discussions, Catholic spirituality, Indigenous Wisdom, women's retreats, silent retreats and more. Mariandale has been a welcomed source of nourishment for many who often feel at the margins of church and society. Over time, we have also deepened our relationship here in Ossining which includes a healing hut, a labyrinth walk, and it is right on the Hudson where many have enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

Through this series, we will lift up the work that the Dominican Sisters of Hope and their co-workers have done here at Mariandale since its founding. The series sessions will take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8pm, and each session will include prayer, sharing stories about Mariandale, a guest speaker, then Q&A. You are welcome to journey with us through the full series, or to attend a single talk. Our series and per session fees reflect a sliding scale at 3 levels for each: Supporting, Sustaining, and Scholarchip levels,

Sister Xiomara (See-o-mara), an Adrian Dominican Sister and is the Executive Director of Dominican Sisters Conference – DSC. Previously, she ministered for 11 years as a Hospital Chaplain, more recently at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, FL where she was the Spiritual Care Manager. She has had diverse ministerial experiences in the areas of preaching, catechesis, directing retreats, Spanish-English Medical interpreting, liturgical dancing, and a high fashion teacher. She has a great passion for creating ambiances and rituals to foster deep prayerful experiences. Sister Xiomara holds a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union – CTU in Chicago and is a Board Certified Chaplain with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains – NACC. For more than 20 years, she has had the opportunity to preach in both Spanish and English. Before she became a religious sister, she was a fashion designer in her native country, the Dominican Republic. She currently lives in Miami, Florida.