Chicago, Illinois

In 1924, st. Frances of Rome Parish was established in Cicero, Illinois and Rev. John Kelly, newly appointed pastor, requested the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word to provide teachers for his new school. A combination church and school building was erected and a duplex remodeled to provide a comfortable convent. Eight Sisters arrived in September, 1924 and were warmly welcomed by Father Kelly and a delegation of parents. The September enrollment reached 225 and thereafter the number increased annually. The distinctive contribution of the pioneers was the foundation they laid for subsequent growth and advancement. The original church and school were supplemented by additional buildings and the enrollment peaked at 1150 in 1964. The fruits of the labor of the original Sisters and pastor are evident in the priestly and religious vocations from the parish (17 priests and 7 nuns), the existence of a strong family life, and genuine involvement in parish ministries. Heroism and courage characterized the beginnings, and solidarity with priests and people were evident through the Depression years and beyond.