Name/Title
St. Mary's Academy, 1895 - 1896Entry/Object ID
055.0035Description
St. Mary's Academy in Joliet, Illinois. The image features a group of students near a statue of Mary. Several musical instruments are present including a violin, guitar and mandolin. A handwritten note at the top states "1895 - 1896 Ladies of Loretto". Completed in 1883, the academy was located on the southwest corner of Ottawa Street and Cass Avenue.
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, Music and Musicians, Photographs, Photos, PicturesReproductions
Notes
Please contact the IBVM Archives (archives@ibvm.us) for further information or materials requests.
