Name/Title
St. Mary's ChurchEntry/Object ID
JO.0009Description
Looking east across the Des Plaines River in Joliet, Illinois. The image was taken near Joliet Catholic High School located at 29 North Broadway Street. In the distance, St. Mary's Church (later St. Mary's Carmelite) is visible. Located at 113 North Ottawa Street, the church opened for worship in 1879 and was closed by the Dioceses of Joliet in 1991. In 1881, the IBVM Sisters moved from St. Patrick's to St. Mary's and resided there until a new convent was completed in 1883. The Sisters also taught at the parish school until 1919. The Jefferson Street Bridge is situated on the right.
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
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Religion, Religious Organizations, Sisters of Loretto, Photos, Photographs, Pictures, Historic SitesReproductions
Notes
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