Rich Heritage in Des Moines Celebrated

In 1865, five young religious women arrived to begin a new school at St. Ambrose Cathedral in downtown Des Moines. Theirs was an arduous journey-and the task before them must have been overwhelming. On Sunday, November 4, 2007, two dozen BVMs joined more than 200 guests for a Prayer Service of Gratitude, thanking God for the support, loyalty and friendship our BVM Community has enjoyed over 142 years from students, family, friends and the greater community of Des Moines.

What a contrast: the 175th Jubilee Celebration was festive within a church that did not exist when the five Sisters arrived. On this warm Sunday afternoon there were trumpet fanfares, incense, a Bishop's blessing, and later, at a reception, relationships were renewed as Sisters, their families, friends and colleagues shared school memories of St. Ambrose, Visitation, St. John's, SJA and Dowling, and the many other ministries of BVMs over the years in the diocese of Southwest Iowa.

Those who gathered expressed gratitude for the fine education and cherished friendships they have enjoyed with BVMs over all these years.