In 1922 Bishop William Hickey of Providence, Rhode Island, saw the pressing need for parochial schools in his diocese. He invited the FCJ Sisters. On August 1922 five sisters arrived and undertook the religious instruction of 1,100 children in the parish. Blessed Sacrament school was completed in 1925 and is now celebrating 100 years. Sr Joanna fcJ from the Blessed Sacrament community writes about the anniversary celebration
On August 24, 2025, there was a 100th Anniversary celebration for Blessed Sacrament School in Providence, Rhode Island. The main celebrant for the Mass was Bishop Robert McManus of Massachusetts, himself a graduate of the school. After the Mass, guests visited the school, where there were numerous memorabilia on display. Then they made their way to the schoolyard to enjoy a simple meal under a festive tent.
In the 1920’s Bishop William Hickey of the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, was worried about the waning of religious belief across the United States.
Although Providence was 78% Catholic at the time, he decided that Catholic schools were essential to foster the faith life of the people. Having worked with the FCJ Sisters in Massachusetts, he wrote to the General Superior asking that some sisters come to Blessed Sacrament Parish to start a new school. On August 22, 1922, five FCJ sisters arrived. Three were from Ireland, one from Scotland, and one from England. They lived in a house on a nearby street until a convent could be built. While waiting for the new school to be built, they took charge of the religious education of the youth of the parish. “A curate’s presence was always necessary to prevent riot, even at Mass on Sundays”, wrote one sister. The sisters taught needlework and music in their house as a way of earning money.
The new school was completed in 1925, and this motto (in Latin) was placed above the front doors: The hope of the harvest is in the seed. On opening day in September 454 students were enrolled for grades 1-5 (two classes per grade). Many of them were children of Irish or Italian immigrants. Mother Brigid Keating fcJ led a staff of ten teachers. After school the sisters would teach the “public school” children. They also held religious education classes for young adults. The Diocese often provided continuing education classes for teaching sisters on Saturdays or during the summer. Between 1925 and 1989 there was always an FCJ principal. For years the school was staffed totally by FCJ sisters. At present Sr. Nancy Mitchell FCJ keeps the link going.
Over these 100 years the school sometimes prospered and sometimes struggled. There was the Great Depression, wars, the advent of technology, cars, planes, the internet, etc. These days there are changes in the philosophy and methods of education, as well as political unrest and varied reactions to welcoming immigrants. Current students are often children of Mexican, South American, African, or Central American parents. As these parents secure their place in American society and some begin to prosper, hopefully Blessed Sacrament School will prosper and strengthen the faith of children and parents.
