Name/Title
St. Benedict the African Parish OfficeEntry/Object ID
EW.0060Description
Entrance to the St. Benedict the African Parish Office located at 340 West 66th Street in Englewood, Chicago. Previously, this building housed the St. Bernard Rectory and was also used by the IBVM as a convent.
In 1892, IBVM Sisters established an education ministry at St. Bernard Grammar School in Englewood. The following year, Loretto Academy (later Loretto High School) opened as the second Catholic high school in Chicago. In 1962, Loretto High School closed and was merged with Loretto Academy Woodlawn. Five years later, the building and neighboring IBVM Convent were sold to the Chicago Board of Education. St. Bernard Grammar School continued operating until closing in the late 1980s.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, Photos, Photographs, Pictures, Historic Sites, Black History, African American ExperienceReproductions
Notes
Please contact the IBVM Archives (archives@ibvm.us) for further information or materials requests.