Fred Pestello to step down from SLU

Saint Louis University president Fred Pestello announced March 21 that he will step down at the end of June 2025. The announcement took place on the 10th anniversary of his introduction as SLU’s 33rd president in 2014.

Pestello’s time at SLU coincided with a particularly turbulent time for higher education in the United States, with colleges and universities across the country grappling with declining enrollments, increasing financial pressures, social upheaval and a global pandemic. Under his leadership, SLU navigated these and other challenges, breaking institutional records for enrollment, fundraising and research funding along the way. SLU will conduct a national search to identify Pestello’s successor. Following a sabbatical after he steps down, Pestello said he plans to continue teaching, writing and supporting the university and its new president as needed.

Easter party with the Daughters of St. Paul

The Daughters of St. Paul will host their annual Easter party for children from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at Pauline Books & Media, 9804 Watson Road in Crestwood. The party includes story time, an activity, treats and a prayer experience in their chapel. All families and children are welcome. Activities are designed for children ages 4-7. Cost is $10 per family at the door. To register, visit stlreview.com/4afMekL or call (314) 965-3512.

Celebrating the legacy of Sr. Mary Antona Ebo

The St. Charles Lwanga Center will offer a Mass on the centennial anniversary of the birth of Sister Mary Antona Ebo, FSM, at noon Wednesday, April 10, at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish at St. Nicholas Church, 701 N. 18th in St. Louis.

Additionally, the Sister Mary Antona Ebo, FSM, Centennial Committee will present a “Centennial Celebration of her Life and Legacy” at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at St. Alphonsus Liguori “Rock” Church, 1118 N. Grand Blvd. in St. Louis. A livestream of the event will be offered at www.youtube.com/ @st.alphonsusliguorirockcat9707.

Man of the Shroud exhibit

St. Paul Parish in Fenton will host “The Man of the Shroud Exhibit” April 20-28. The exhibit features a full-size replica of the shroud, a life-size crucifix based on the man shown on the shroud, along with images and information about the historical, biblical and scientific findings about the shroud. The exhibit will be held in the Parish Life Center in the school building (465 New Smizer Mill Road) from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 21; 5-8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, April 22 and 23; 3:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 24; 5-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 25 and 26; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, April 27; and 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 28. Pastor Father John Nickolai also will present a talk, “Why This Face,” at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20, in the church, followed by the exhibition from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. in the Parish Life Center.

“Decline to Sign” Life Chain

To provide a peaceful, public and prayerful witness against Missouri’s abortion ballot initiative, parishes throughout the Archdiocese of St. Louis are holding “Decline to Sign” Life Chains in different locations through May 5, the deadline for the signature collection period. For the most up-to-date location listing, visit STLRespectLife.org. To add your parish to the list, please contact [email protected] or (314) 792-7555.

Pro-life Mass

The monthly Pro-life Mass and Rosary hosted by the archdiocesan Respect Life Apostolate (formerly the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Mass and Rosary) will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20, at Incarnate Word Parish, 13416 Olive Blvd. in Chesterfield. Prayers will be offered on behalf of women and men facing unplanned pregnancies and for a greater respect for all human life, especially the unborn child. Going forward, the location will be held at a different church each month in all three vicariates of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.