Name/Title
St. Mary's Academy KeystoneEntry/Object ID
055.0028Description
Keystone previously located over the entrance of St. Mary's Academy on the southwest corner of Ottawa Street and Cass Avenue in Joliet, Illinois. At this time it was housed in the IBVM Convent in Wheaton, Illinois. Completed in 1883, St. Mary's Academy was demolished in 1959 after its condition had deteriorated.
In 1880, the Canadian Mission of the IBVM sent sisters to establish a presence in Joliet, Illinois. They maintained an education ministry in the community until departing in 1919.Context
Born in 1585 in North Yorkshire, England, Mary Ward founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1609. Focused on education, the Sisters developed their ministry despite significant political, spiritual and material challenges. In 1880, the Canadian Mission of the IBVM established a presence in Illinois, and the following year, the IBVM North American Branch was created. In 1892, their ministry expanded into Chicago, and by 1896, the Sisters had opened a school in Michigan. Over the following decades, further growth resulted in ministries in California and Arizona, both of which began in 1949. In the 21st Century, the IBVM and its companions are active in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, California and Arizona.Lexicon
Search Terms
Religion, Religious Organizations, Sisters of Loretto, Historic Sites, PeopleReproductions
Notes
Please contact the IBVM Archives (archives@ibvm.us) for further information or materials requests.