News Summary
Sister Marie Celine Laird of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia celebrates 25 years of religious service during a heartfelt jubilee Mass in Nashville.
Nashville, Tennessee – Sister Marie Celine Laird celebrated her silver jubilee as a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia on July 13, marking 25 years since her first profession of vows. This significant milestone was celebrated during a Mass at the St. Cecilia Motherhouse chapel in Nashville, attended by fellow Dominican sisters, family, and friends.
During the event, Sister Marie Celine was one of ten sisters from the congregation celebrating their silver jubilee. This collective observance highlights the enduring commitment of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia to their mission of Catholic education and service. The celebration was enriched by the music of her brother, Jon Laird, who is the organist at St. Ambrose Church in Annandale and provided musical accompaniment for the Mass.
Sister Marie Celine Laird is the daughter of Bob and Geri Laird, long-standing parishioners actively involved in pro-life initiatives within the Arlington diocese. A graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School in Woodbridge, Virginia, she began her religious journey within the congregation after her first vows were made on August 10, 2000.
Throughout her 25 years of service, Sister Marie Celine has taught at various schools across the United States, including locations in Hampton and Newport News, Virginia; Birmingham, Alabama; and Greenville, South Carolina. Currently, she is an educator in a Montessori classroom at Overbrook Catholic School in Nashville, continuing the Dominican tradition of fostering academic excellence grounded in faith.
The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia were founded in 1860 in Nashville, and they have since expanded their reach considerably. Today, the congregation has approximately 300 sisters serving in 52 educational institutions both domestically and internationally. This extensive network underscores the congregation’s dedication to providing quality Catholic education and fostering spiritual growth in diverse communities across the globe.
The significance of Sister Marie Celine’s silver jubilee and similar celebrations among her fellow sisters illustrates the Dominican Sisters’ commitment to their educational apostolates. Their work extends beyond the classroom, as they also engage in various mission houses established in multiple countries, signifying their dedication to spreading the Catholic faith and enhancing educational opportunities worldwide.
The silver jubilee celebration is not only a recognition of individual commitment but also a moment that brings together the strengths and experiences of the Dominican Sisters as a community focused on empowerment through education. The event served as a reminder of the ongoing legacy of the congregation and its pivotal role in shaping the lives of many through faith-based educational programs.
As Sister Marie Celine embarks on the next chapter of her ministry, the celebrations and affirmations of her years of service reinforce the values upon which the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia were founded. The event was a heartfelt acknowledgement of the collective achievements and future aspirations of all those who dedicate their lives to the mission of education grounded in faith.
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Additional Resources
- Catholic Herald: Lorton Woman Celebrates 25 Years as Dominican Sister
- Wikipedia: Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia
- Catholic Herald: Three Arlington Women Profess Vows as Nashville Dominicans
- Google Search: Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia
- Tennessee Register: Knights Support Nashville Dominicans Postulants
- Google Scholar: Dominican Sisters education
- The Cor Chronicle: Friars, Monks, and Nuns, Oh My!
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Catholic education
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