NASHVILLE—Fifteen women professed the simple vows of poverty, chastity and obedience as Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia Congregation in Nashville July 28. Among those who made a first profession were Sister John Vianney Streacker, formerly of Findlay St. Michael, and Sister Paula Marie Koffi, a graduate of the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University.

Sr. Paula Marie Koffi

Sr. John Vianney Streacker

Sr. Streacker is the daughter of Karl and Lori Streacker of Findlay. She is a graduate of Liberty-Benton High School and attended the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Presently, Sr. Streacker is studying for a nursing degree at Aquinas College in Nashville.

Sr. Koffi is the daughter of Ursule Koffi, a parishioner at Good Shepherd Church in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, West Africa, and the late Marcellin Koffi. Sr. Koffi earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo and master’s degree at Bowling Green State University, both in accounting. Born and raised in the Ivory Coast, West Africa, Sr. Koffi is is presently studying at Aquinas College in preparation for the teaching apostolate.

The Mass for the Rite of First Religious Profession was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville with Bishop of Nashville David Choby as the principal celebrant. Concelebrating were Archbishop of Louisville Joseph E. Kurtz and Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau James Vann Johnston.

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

The Sisters of St. Cecilia are dedicated to the apostolate of Catholic education. The community of 270 sisters serves in 38 schools throughout the United States, with a house in Sydney, Australia, and new mission houses opening this year in Houston, Texas, and in Vancouver, British Columbia.