During the summer of 2019, a representative group of governors, teachers, parents and students of the former St Louis Middle School gathered to express their appreciation of the contribution of the Sisters of St Louis to the education and life of Bury St Edmunds. The occasion marked the end of an educational era on the site. Six Sisters of St Louis were present at the event.
In her address, Carmel Solon SSL traced the ministry of the sisters in catholic education and service in Bury, from their arrival in January 1924. Initially, Sisters Fanchea and Ephrem took up teaching posts in St Edmund’s Primary School, while Sisters Regis and John opened St Louis High School for girls. Catholic education expanded in the 1960s, with the opening of diocesan schools where the sisters also taught. With a later change to a three-tier system in the county, the High School and a later Junior School gave way to St Louis Middle School for children aged nine to 13.
Carmel then called to mind the day’s Gospel reading from John 17, which gave rise to the school motto, Sint Unum: May all be one, and explained how it underpinned all the ministries of the sisters. She rejoiced in the blessings of collaboration with the priests of the Deanery, of cooperation with professional staff, and of support experienced from students’ parents. Her joyous conclusion was one of thanksgiving, “We give thanks to God for all that has been, and go forward in hope saying our ‘Yes’ to the future.”
To read more about the celebration of the 95 years of ministry, click on the latest edition of Musings, our monthly newsletter – Issue 90.