Our Founders' Legacies Endure

November 4, 2021

On October 8, 1871, the Great Fire erupted in Chicago, devastating the city. The fire burned through almost 3.5 square miles, destroying more than 17,000 buildings and leaving a third of the city homeless. Two of those buildings destroyed were schools run by the Christian Brothers. 

Those displaced Brothers left Chicago to found new schools in other parts of the country. It was less than a month after the fire, on November 2, 1871, when a group of them arrived in St. Paul. They founded Cretin High School in 1871, and we have been indebted to their legacy ever since.

The Sisters of St. Joseph arrived by boat twenty years earlier, on November 3, 1851, to minister to the growing Minnesota Territory. The started a school to educate the children of pioneers and Native Americans and then a year later, established a hospital for the victims of the cholera epidemic gripping the city. The Sisters founded Derham Hall in 1905.

Through Fire and Water, God's Grace Endures

On November 1, we honored these anniversaries with a special all-school Founders Mass. Members of the Christian Brothers and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet were invited to attend the all-school Mass and a special brunch afterwards. The theme of the Mass was, "Through Fire and Water, God's Grace Endures." Religion teacher Lou Anne Tighe spoke on the way the arrival of these two groups has rippled through history and has had a tremendous impact on generations of the Cretin-Derham Hall community.

"Because of the Great Chicago Fire and the destruction of two of their schools, the Brothers accepted the invitation to come and to teach in Saint Paul," she said. "Today, the Christian Brothers serve more than a million students worldwide. Even through a devastating fire, God’s grace moves.

She drew on the story of the CSJ's who also answered a call and have provided a significant legacy to our community. "As Jesus was baptized and came up from the water, the Sisters heard God’s voice in the invitation to come up the Mississippi River to teach and eventually provide healthcare in Saint Paul. Today, they are leaders in providing affordable healthcare, education, safe housing, advocacy, and spiritual enrichment. Riding upon the water, God’s grace endured."

Art students also created two original pieces in honor of our founders' celebration. One piece represents 'fire," honoring the Great Chicago Fire that resulted in the Brother's travel to St. Paul.  The other represents 'water,' honoring the Mississippi River which brought the Sisters north. The artwork was displayed during the Mass and now in the school.

The Mass provided our community with an important opportunity to reflect on the impact these men and women have had. 

"The Brothers and Sisters helped to create a place built on education and justice. They value knowledge and applying that knowledge to life," said Collett Akins '23. "The faculty and staff at CDH follow in the footsteps of our school's founders giving students the opportunity to stretch themselves and get involved in the broader community."

Legacy of Learning, Legacy and Love

After Mass,the Brothers and Sisters gathered for a brunch. President Frank Miley reflected on the impact the two sponsors have had on CDH, St. Paul, and his own life.  He honored the unique history that established both Cretin and Derham Hall, and their continued support and dedication to CDH to this day.  In thanking both the Brothers' and the Sisters for their ongoing commitment to Catholic education, Miley noted that the Brothers' celebration of their arrival in Minnesota 150 years ago is especially significant this year. 

After accepting the invitation from Bishop Cretin 150 years ago, there are now five Catholic High Schools: CDH, Totino-Grace, Benilde-St. Margaret, DeLaSalle, and Holy Family sponsored by the Christian Brothers.  Plus, Hill-Murray is in the process of reaffiliation with the Christian Brothers - so soon there will be six.  There is also one Christian Brothers' university: Saint Mary's of Minnesota. The Christian Brothers also run the Dunrovin Retreat Center.  The Christian Brothers literally changed the face of Catholic education in the archdiocese and have touched the hearts and minds of thousands of students and their families.

"The history, tradition and spirituality of Saint John Baptist de Lasalle is alive and well at CDH," he said.

"The Brothers' love of Christ and selfless service have benefited generations of young men and women in our community. These are the young men and women have gone on to be faithful leaders in our community, our Church and nation," he noted. 

"We are forever indebted to the Christian Brothers for the countless gifts they have shared with generations of students in our Archdiocese."

Prayer of Gratitude

Please enjoy this prayer of gratitude written by Lou Anne Tighe:

Loving God,
You created the world and established Your covenant as 
an abiding commandment to love.

Your invitation to love has been revealed always 
through common, ordinary and natural ways.

When the Brothers’ schools in Chicago were destroyed by fire,
They said yes to the invitation to teach in Saint Paul as a sign of faith, 
And they trusted in God’s Providence.

When the Sisters were invited to ride the rough waters to the great north,
they boarded a steamship driven by the profound love of God and the dear neighbor.

We give You thanks for these witnesses of faith, hope and love. 
They said YES to Your invitation through the works of fire and water.

May we who are continue this precious legacy,
Proclaim YES to the invitation to love through common, ordinary and natural ways.

Abide in us, O Lord, to carry forward this magnificent calling and embrace this truth: 
Through Fire and Water, Your Grace Endures.

Saint Joseph, Pray for us!
Saint John Baptist de Lasalle, Pray for us!
Blessed Brother James Miller, Pray for us!

Live Jesus in our hearts, FOREVER!