Local woman professes first vows as Dominican sister

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Twelve young women professed the simple vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville, Tenn., on July 28. Among those who made their first profession was Sister Augusta Nickel, O.P., a former parishioner of Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church in Foxfield, Colo.

Sister Augusta is the daughter of Gary and Marie Nickel, also parishioners at Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church. She is a graduate of Ponderosa High School and attended the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University. Presently, Sister Augusta is studying at Aquinas College preparing for the teaching apostolate.

The Mass for the Rite of First Religious Profession was held at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville. Bishop David Choby was the main celebrant and was assisted by Msgr. Edward Buelt from the Archdiocese of Denver.

In addition to the sisters making first profession of vows, 11 young women professed their perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience with the Nashville Dominicans on July 25.

The Congregation of Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville was established in 1860, and the sisters continue to live the apostolic and contemplative way of life founded by St. Dominic in the early 13th century. The Sisters of St. Cecilia are dedicated to the apostolate of Catholic education.  They teach in 34 schools throughout the United States and Australia including St. Vincent de Paul School and Bishop Machebeuf High School in Denver. The St. Cecilia Motherhouse is located in Nashville. For more information on the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation, visit their Web site at nashvilledominican.org.