Rosary Monastery not closed, Dominican leader to decide fate

The Rosary Monastery is not closed but is in the process of being “suppressed”. “This is because no more nuns are left in the monastery, which is extremely sad,” said Fr Matthew Martinez OP.

He told The Catholic News that the monastery’s future depends on the decision of the Master of the Dominican Order in Rome, Fr Gerard Francisco P Timoner III OP. In the interim, the Dominican Fathers are responsible for the maintenance of the property.

The altar bread-making operation continues under the supervision of the Dominican Fathers.

Sr Mary Ann Bradshaw OP, custodian and last of the cloistered contemplative nuns at Rosary Monastery died at the age of 82, Wednesday, June 5, 2024. During his homily at her Funeral Mass at the monastery’s chapel Friday, June 14, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon described the day as monumental, as those gathered were there not only to say goodbye to Sr Ann but also sadly to bid adieu to the Rosary Monastery, which “has been a staple of the Archdiocese”.

Fr Martinez said Sr Ann was a “powerhouse” of prayer on Earth, “and our hope is that her prayers continue for us, in Heaven.” He mentioned that Sr Ann provided spirit-filled counsel for many and always had a joy-filled temperament.

“In my own life, she was always a person who continually provided prayerful support for my family and me,” Fr Martinez said. He had only returned in February this year after being out of the country for 16 years.

“I know Sr Ann from before….I do remember her to some extent before I left, I was a young man and I used to go to Mass every now and again at the Monastery before I became a priest or Dominican. And she was always very, very pleasant …and I knew she was a guide for many people.”

On hearing the news of her death, Fr Martinez told The Catholic News, that he was able to see and be with Sr Ann before she died. He was asked to take on this “job” upon her passing.

He highlighted that the monastery has been an oasis of Dominican contemplation and spirituality in this Archdiocese.

“It always provided a central meeting point for the different arms of the Dominican family,” he said.

Masses continue at the monastery but on a reduced schedule since the monastery is in the process of being suppressed.

To this end, Fr Martinez thanked all the faithful for their continued support and implored that the monastery and the work of the Dominican Order in Trinidad and Tobago be  kept  in prayer, as they await the final decision of the Master of the Order in Rome.