Two Sisters of Divine Providence Profess Perpetual Vows
This summer, the Congregation of Divine Providence joyfully celebrated two milestone moments as Sisters Christina Cńe Chávez, CDP, and Melissa Renee Cessac, CDP, professed their Perpetual Vows, committing their lives fully to God in the charism and mission of the Congregation.
Sister Christina Cńe Chávez
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Sister Christina professed her Perpetual Vows during a Eucharistic celebration at Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel on the campus of Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. The Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Michael J. Sis, Bishop of San Angelo, with concelebrants Bishop Emeritus Michael Pfeifer, OMI, who confirmed her 20 years earlier, and Rev. Kevin McGrady, OSsT.
The chapel, which has witnessed generations of Sisters commit their lives to God’s people, was filled with Sisters, Associates, family, friends, and community members. Congregational Leader Sister Rose Kruppa, CDP, welcomed the assembly, noting that “countless women have committed their lives in service to God’s people” in that sacred space.
Originally from Crane, TX, Sister Christina was formed in the Diocese of San Angelo and now serves as campus minister at the University of Texas, Midland College, and Odessa College. Bishop Sis praised her impact, saying she “brings verve to college ministries,” enlivening young adult ministry across West Texas.
Drawing on the day’s readings, Bishop Sis reflected on the communal nature of religious life, comparing it to the early Christian communities who “gave according to their abilities” and “received according to their needs.” He linked the unending circle of her new ring to the never-ending love of God.
Following her profession, Sister Christina expressed heartfelt gratitude: “To my sisters, I love all of you so very much, and I’m honored to be a CDP, to be your Sister.”
Sister Melissa Renee Cessac
Two weeks later, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, joy and song once again filled Sacred Heart Chapel as Sister Melissa professed her Perpetual Vows. The Mass was presided over by Rev. Matthew DeLeon, with concelebrants Rev. Joseph Sigur and Rev. Ricardo Ramirez.
The celebration was marked by moments both solemn and joyful, including Sister Melissa’s solo opening verse of the Suscipe, followed by the harmonious voices of her Sisters. Sister Rose Kruppa, CDP, received her vows on behalf of the Congregation, and the presentation of the Congregational ring marked her consecration. In her vows, she pledged poverty “to care for God’s creation and share with those in need,” celibacy “to be free to love all persons,” and obedience “to listen attentively to God’s word and act in union with the Church.”
Raised in Nederland, TX, and a lifelong member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Sister Melissa first met the Sisters of Divine Providence through Sister Anita Brenek, CDP. “It felt as natural as walking into my family’s home,” she recalls. Since entering the novitiate in 2018, her ministry has included parish youth work, a mission experience in Querétaro, Mexico, and her current role teaching and mentoring students at Providence Catholic School in San Antonio.
In her remarks, Sister Melissa spoke of the depth of her commitment: “The vows I profess today are mine forever… to live a life of radical, inclusive love… a love that opens its arms to everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from.”
A Shared Witness
These two celebrations, close in time yet uniquely personal, shine as a testament to God’s continuing call in our world. Through their lives and ministries, Sisters Christina and Melissa embody the CDP mission of “being the loving face of our Provident God” and co-creating “a world of healing, inclusivity, and unity.”