It was recently noted that the last missions opened by the Nashville Dominican Sisters were in Denver, Chicago and St. Paul, where mountains, wind and lakes combine with cold to make winter a memorable season. The announcement in February that we were migrating “south” met with warm enthusiasm and not just because of a milder climate.  This new mission of the Congregation to St. Louis Cathedral School was a response to the invitation of Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes to support the Archdiocesan effort of evangelization.  In a recent letter he acknowledged:  “I am convinced that your Sisters’ extraordinary presence will bring many graces to our school.  I love the way your Sisters embrace the Church and the Church’s mission.”

While the mission is consistent with our long history of promoting Catholic education in the South, the Sisters will become a part of a much older tradition.  The Cathedral of New Orleans is the oldest active Cathedral in the country.  The Cathedral school began in 1720, the first on record in the United States either public or religiously affiliated.  Located in the French Quarter it has a rich history and holds great apostolic promise.   

Teaching assignments were awaited with anticipation.  It is the Holy Spirit that directs us to our missions and obedience is our cooperation with that grace.  Sister Mary Rose, Sister Annunciata, and Sister Mary Gertrude began our new mission in early August.  The Sisters sent to New Orleans have been warmly welcomed by our extended families there and in Lafayette, Ville Platte, Metairie and Jeanerette.  Several St. Cecilia Dominicans now embrace the Church in New Orleans and her mission of evangelization.