The Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of the Springs of Bridgeport came into existence as a religious community on April 2, 2009. Twenty-two Sisters made final profession and formed this new community of Dominican Sisters.
All of these Sisters were professed members of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Mary of the Springs of Columbus, Ohio. In April of 2009, the congregation of Saint Mary of the Springs ceased to exist forming a merged community of seven Dominican communities becoming the Dominican Sisters of Peace. These twenty-two Sisters sought to continue the tradition of Saint Mary of the Springs as a new community.
Welcomed to the Diocese of Bridgeport, CT., by Bishop William E. Lori, this new congregation became a congregation of diocesan rite.The Bridgeport Dominicans held their first Chapter in August, 2009. The work of the Chapter included the acceptance of new Constitutions and the election of Sister Melanie Hannigan, O.P. as Prioress. At the second General Chapter, Sister Melanie was elected Prioress for a second three year term.
The Bridgeport Dominicans have an apostolic presence in the Diocese of Bridgeport, as well as the Archdiocese of New York, the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Diocese of Columbus.