Opening and Closing of Missions including Belle Prairie

THE END OF AN ERA - Belle Prairie Convent and School

In 1950 Mother Mary Ignatius Hayes Gymnasium was constructed behind the convent and school.

In 1963 Mother Mary Ignatius Hayes High School was opened as an extension to St Anthony's Academy. It was built in the hope of increasing numbers in the school. However this did not happen. 

Our Sisters from Chicago and Rockford availed themselves of the recreational facilities of the Academy which included skating, tobogganing and skiing. These facilities were shared with many others as well.

The Belle Prairie complex was officially closed on August 6th, 1968

ST ANTHONY'S ROCKFORD, CONVENT AND SCHOOL             

On her way from Chicago to Belle Prairie in 1915 Rev. Mother Agnella detoured to Rockford northeastern Illinois. Bishop P.J. Muldoon asked for 4 Sisters to staff St Anthony's School. The school was opened in September 15th the same year.

BELOW - The convent where the Sisters lived when they left the school in 1985

ST MARY'S SCHOOL, LITTLE FALLS

In 1949 when the Benedictine Sisters withdrew from the school, Mons. Keaveny, Superintendent of Catholic Schools in St Paul was so impressed by our Sisters he invited them to replace the Benedictine Siaters. Mon. Keaveny was Pastor of St Mary's at the time. The Sisters were there until 1969.

ST ANDREWS SCHOOL, BRAINERD

St Andrew's school was opened in 1965 in  the now combined parishes of St Francis. This is the main church. The sisters withdrew a few years later from St Andrews and St Mary's.

However, St Mary's reopened later under the combined direction of the Benedictine Sisters and the Little Falls Franciscan and our own MFIC Sisters.

A good relationship exists still exists. Elizabeth Hayes remains a unifying bond between the two communities.