The Queen of Peace Province was established in 1967, initiated by twelve courageous sisters who, in a spirit of profound trust and surrender, answered the call to journey to Philadelphia—a distant land half a world away. They embarked with minimal possessions other than their faith and reliance on Divine Providence. Despite limited English and the unfamiliar culture, they placed their absolute trust in the guiding hand of God.
The first time on a flight from Vietnam to Philadelphia, was marked by a blend of joy, sorrow, and apprehension. During a layover in Hawaii, believing they had reached their final destination, the sisters hurriedly contacted a priest friend, Fr. Thai in New York to come pick them up from the airport in Hawaii. In later years, the sisters and Fr. Thai would frequently recall this incident with great fondness—a charming memory that beautifully exemplifies the simplicity and faithful devotion of those young religious women.
In addition to adapting to the new culture, the sisters experienced the first harsh winter. Beholding snowfall for the first time was a very beautiful experience, but after the snow then comes the icy roads and extreme cold. During the day, the sisters worked diligently at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary; in the evenings, they hurriedly took the bus to attend ESL classes and pursue their college education.
The historic events of April 30, 1975, emerged as a period of profound sorrow and immense trial. Communication from the homeland suddenly ceased, leaving the sisters deeply anxious for the safety of their families and fellow members of the Congregation remaining in Vietnam. Watching the television news broadcasts, their hearts grew heavy with grief; they could only pray in silence and hold one another through their tears. During this time, the priests and seminarians of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary offered daily comfort and inquiries into their well-being, helping the sisters navigate what became the most challenging historical chapter for the Province.
The Mayor of Philadelphia requested the sisters' assistance in aiding the influx of refugees arriving in the United States. On May 20, 1975, the United States government dispatched vehicles to transport four of the sisters to collaborate with the Red Cross. Alongside humanitarian volunteers and the U.S. military, they prepared to welcome the wave of Vietnamese refugees at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. Their duties included designating residential sectors, arranging sleeping quarters, dining facilities, medical stations, chapels, and administrative service offices.
Meanwhile, back in Philadelphia, the remaining sisters took on the responsibility of finding sponsors and contacting local parishes and charitable organizations to request clothing, medical supplies, and daily essentials, addressing both the material and spiritual needs of their compatriots. In this endeavor, they received the zealous cooperation of Mr. Frank, an American citizen who was profoundly dedicated to assisting them. Guided by an open and compassionate spirit, the sisters served not only as interpreters and guides for navigating a new life, but also became a vital source of emotional and spiritual strength for countless individuals who were grieving, disoriented, and displaced in a foreign land. Within those refugee camps, many found renewed hope and consolation through the gentle presence and quiet service of the Holy Rosary Sisters.
In 1978, Bishop Howze formally invited the Sisters to Biloxi to continue serving the Vietnamese refugees who had settled along the Gulf Coast. With the support of the Diocese, the Our Lady of the Presentation Convent was established near St. Michael Church. There, the Sisters began offering Catholic Faith Formation and Vietnamese language classes, directed the parish choir, organized the traditional May Coronation, and gather youth to form the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement.
Concurrently, the number of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants settling in the New Orleans, Louisiana area increased to more than 20,000 people. In response to the growing pastoral needs of the Vietnamese community, Archbishop Philip M. Hannan formally invited the Sisters of the Dominican Congregation of the Holy Rosary to come to the Archdiocese of New Orleans and collaborate in pastoral ministry among Vietnamese immigrants.
The Sisters undertook many ministries, including assisting refugees with immigration and settlement paperwork, helping them adapt to their new society, and providing support in education and community pastoral work. More than companions on their journey, the Sisters became listeners, sources of comfort, and spiritual support for many families who were facing the challenges and uncertainties of a new life.
On August 22, 1979, the Archdiocese of New Orleans arranged for the Sisters to temporarily reside at 7919 Fig Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, near the Archbishop’s residence. This became the first convent of the Holy Rosary in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, under the name the Nativity of Mary Convent. Over time, additional communities were established in response to the needs of the local Church and the continued growth of the Sisters’ ministry.
To provide a place for community life and to gather all the Sisters from Philadelphia, Archbishop Hannan assisted the Province in purchasing a house located at 1492 Moss Street. In 1985, after the renovations and improvements were completed, the house became the Queen of Peace Convent.