Church Madness
St. Francis de Sales Oratory in south St. Louis, administered by the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, is the winner of Granda Liturgical Arts' Church Madness National Churchpionship. Voters from around the country winnowed down the national bracket of 64 beautiful churches to the final two. St. Francis de Sales came from behind to win with a total of 17,860 votes cast, topping St. James Church in Louisville. The church — the second largest in St. Louis, "the Rome of the West" — is widely known for its dedication to traditional liturgy and beautiful liturgical arts, according to Granda's www.artandliturgy.com website.
Nerinx Hall to buy Loretto property
The Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross plans to sell its buildings and grounds at 590 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, to Nerinx Hall, a Loretto-sponsored high school that occupies part of the property. The approximately 11.5 acres of land also includes Loretto Center, the historic Lockwood House and the Loretto Staff Office. The Sisters of Loretto bought the property in 1922 and moved its high school department from then-Loretto-sponsored Webster College to the site two years later. Loretto Center was built between 1958 and 1962 to serve as a House of Studies for young sisters completing their degrees at the college. The center later became a residence for sisters who were teaching in nearby schools, then was the home of the Loretto Learning Center. In its most recent years, it has served as a retirement center for members of several congregations. "Through this sale, this land will remain holy ground," said Loretto President Pearl McGivney, SL.
New president at Incarnate Word Academy
David L. McKenzie has been named president of Incarnate Word Academy. He most recently served as president of Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala, Fla., and was president and principal at schools in Maryland and Delaware. McKenzie has a master's degree in education, leadership, management and policy from Seton Hall University. He will be the school's third president, succeeding Sister Helena Monahan, CCVI, and will begin his new role on June 15. Incarnate Word Academy is sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Living Rosary
Our Lady of Guadalupe for Life will host another Living Rosary for Life at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at Assumption Church, 4725 Mattis Road in south St. Louis County. The group will pray the Rosary and honor St. John Paul II and his devotion to the Rosary. Our Lady of Guadalupe for Life is a nonprofit group that sponsors pro-life billboards along St. Louis area highways.
Sacred Heart Spirituality Forum
"Philippine Duchesne: Celebrating Her Life and Legacy," the Sacred Heart Spirituality Forum 2017, will be held July 12-16 at St. Louis University. The event is part of the bicentennial celebration of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and is for anyone interested in the spirituality of the Society of the Sacred Heart. The forum will include presentations, small group reflection, workshops, prayer, daily liturgy and celebration. Registration is due by April 30. To learn more, visit www.stlouisreview.com/bo1.