Dominican nuns in Drogheda celebrate first profession

Sr Mary Cathy Howard OP who made first profession today

The Dominican contemplative nuns at Siena monastery in Drogheda, County Louth celebrated the first profession of Sr Mary Cathy Howard today February 2nd - the feast of the Presentation and the world day for consecrated life.

The profession ceremony took place during the celebration of the eucharist and Sr Mary Cathy was joined by her family and friends, her community at the monastery, Dominican friars, sisters of the Cabra congregation and members of the Dominican laity.

Sr Mary Cathy, who is from Dublin, has completed her novitiate, made profession in the hands of the prioress, Sr Mary Breda Carroll using the following formula:

I, Sister Mary Cathy Howard, make profession, and promise obedience to God, and to Blessed Mary and to Blessed Dominic, and to the Master of the Order of Friars Preachers, Brother Bruno Cadoré;

and to you Sister Mary Breda Carroll, Prioress of this Monastery of St Catherine of Siena, Drogheda; and to your successors, according to the Rule of Blessed Augustine and the Constitutions of the Nuns of the Order of Preachers that I will be obedient to you and to your successors, for three years.

 

This joyful event for the Dominican nuns in Drogheda is an important event in the life of that community and also for all Dominicans in Ireland. It follows the first profession of Sr Sabine Schratz of the Cabra Dominican sisters yesterday.

The Dominican nuns in Drogheda, who live a life centred on prayer and adoration of the Most Blessed Eucharist are the only community of contemplative Dominican nuns in Ireland. You can learn more about their way of life by visiting their website www.dominicannuns.ie and their blog www.dominicannunsireland.blogspot.com

Below are some images from the profession ceremony today:

Sr Mary Cathy makes profession in the hands of the prioress, Sr Mary Breda

Sr Mary Cathy with her parents at the reception following her profession

Left to right: Sr Mairead (novice mistress), Sr Mary Cathy and Sr Mary Breda cutting the celebratory cake

Sr Mary Cathy with members of her family

Sr Mary Cathy with fr Gerard Dunne OP, vicar of the Master of the Order to Dominican nuns at Siena monastery in Drogheda