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Saturday, May 10, Immaculate Conception Parish in Elmhurst, Illinois, celebrated the 125th anniversary of the grade school. Sisters Lucy Brault, René Backe, and Jean Braun, former teachers at the school, took a special overnight trip to celebrate with the congregation.  The primary celebrant for the liturgy was Bishop Ronald Hicks. 

Reverend Tom Paul, pastor at Immaculate Conception, said, “Immaculate Conception Grade School began with a strong foundation—the foundation contributed by people who believed there was need for Catholic education. . .How blessed we are that the Sisters of St. Agnes came here—taking the risk to come to a new mission, willing to travel here to this unknown place of Elmhurst, Illinois, to begin teaching students in a one-room schoolhouse with a curtain dividing down the class. . .And how fortunate we are that three of the former teachers are with us today.” 

Following Liturgy, a reception was held in the gym. The legacy of CSA was posted on boards along one side of the room, including census reports dating back to 1900. Many photos of the sisters, class pictures, and candid photos served to spark memories and much conversation. Over and over, people expressed their gratitude for the service of the sisters and the legacy of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes. 
 

This article appears in the May Issue of Reflections and Connections

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