St Anthony of Padua High School - Paduan Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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rmrr11 ■ 111 ■ n i ■ in ■ iiiaiin- of August 9, 1851. described it as a “large and capacious building. Likely there are those who would take exception as to the correctness of that description. but if its size were at all in proportion to the sacrifices and deprivations its erection must have cost those devout old pioneers of long ago. then undoubtedly it was “large and capacious. It was built under the direction of Rev. Father Augustine Ravoux of revered memory. He was keenly interested in its construction and came often from Mendota. where he was then stationed, to superintend the work: he even at times, so the old settlers have said, joined the workmen in their labor. Previous to its erection Mass had been said in the little homes of the parishioners, but now. to the great joy of all. they had a church in which to offer the Holy Sacrifice. Though Father Ravoux conducted the first services in the new church, he was never its pastor. T he first resident priest was the zealous and energetic Rev. Denis Ledon. who came at the close of 1851. He was succeeded in 1855 by Rev. John Fayollc, during whose pastorate the present stone church was begun. Owing to ill health he was withdrawn in 1859. Rev. John McDermott was then appointed pastor: he carried on the work of completing the church which was ready for occupancy in 1861. He was followed by Rev. Felix Tissot. who piously and devoutly carried on the work of the ever growing parish for twenty-two years. On account of his advanced age he was retired in 1888. and Rev. James O'Reilly, who had been assistant for some time, was made pastor. Under his most able and wise guidance the parish passed peacefully through another twenty-two years of its history. In 1910 Father O'Reilly was consecrated Bishop of Fargo. N. D.. and the rectorship of St. Anthony was given to Rev. Patrick Kenny. He began the erection of the present school building but did not live to see it finished. He died in 1915. He was succeeded by Rev. Englebert J. Wilbee. a sketch of whose life is given in this issue. The present boundary lines of the Parish of St. Anthony of Padua are the River on the west and south. Central Avenue and 57th on the east and north. The Catholicity of this favored area is shown by the fact that within these same boundaries are nine other Catholic churches of various nationalities, and. besides St. Anthony School and Convent there are five other Catholic schools and five convents. Truly a hallowed ground must be that which encloses, within such narrow limits, so many thrones of the Eucharistic King. There is no home in the parish, but is almost literally illumined by the light of a sanctuary lamp. The seed, sown in tears, in privations, in discomforts of every kind, by those saintly priests of long ago. is now bearing an abundant harvest. It is a matter deserving of much thanksgiving that so rich a heritage has not fallen in vain to the devout people of the Parish of St. Anthony of Padua. Page Twflvt

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