St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School celebrates the joy of its founding

Intermountain Catholic

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Some of the school's former teachers, including Louise Best and Sister Lelia O'Sullivan (center), were present for the anniversary celebrations during the week of April 20. IC photo/Jenn Sparks

SALT LAKE CITY – Back in 1963 Father Mark Benvegnu, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Murray, was approached about the need for a Catholic school in that area. He agreed, and the first kindergarten class of 64 children attended school in the basement of the church on Wasatch Avenue, led by Louise Best. Meanwhile, Fr. Benvegnu appealed to Bishop Joseph Lennox Federal for nuns to teach at the school; the bishop suggested that he apply to a fellow bishop in Ireland. Two years later, Fr. Benvegnu’s request became a reality. In the early summer of 1965 five Presentation Sisters arrived: Sister Annunciata Keough, Sister Evangelist Ryan, Sister Lelia O’Sullivan, Sister Mary Casey, and Sister Assumpta Buckley.

The Presentation Sisters taught at the school until 1994, but three of them returned from Ireland for a week filled with celebrations commemorating the 50 years of foundation of the school.

"It’s wonderful. I never thought I’d see the day," said Sr. Lelia, who now at 83 years old remembers when she was just 33 years old and came for the first time to the school.

"It has changed a lot, but everyone is still as nice as they were back then," she said. "One thing I remember when landing at Salt Lake City is that we came in the middle of August, when it was hot, hot, hot, and when we came out of the plane I thought, ‘How are we going to live here?’ There was no air conditioning and we were used to Ireland, where there is cold wind all the time."

Also during the celebrations, Louise Best was recognized with a wall decorated with students’ work and a commemorative plaque in her honor. Principal Mark Longe presented the plaque as he read a thank-you letter that Sister Evangelist Ryan wrote to Best:

"My dear Louise, this little note is a very sincere thank you. … I remember the very early days when you drove five timid little sisters all the way downtown to introduce us to Utah Idaho (school) Supply. I also remember the wisdom with which you guided our first years. We looked to Louise for all kinds of directions. … ‘Thank you’ is totally inadequate, so what words would be adequate? None. Louise, God bless you, my dear friend, and thank you," read the note.

Best, overwhelmed by the emotion, could not express more than a "thank you," with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes.

After the plaque was presented, a small brunch with the parents took place, followed by a school assembly in the gymnasium. The assembly included a narration by two students that told the school’s story.

Some words from Sister Lelia preceded the students’ presentation.

"It’s been wonderful for us," Sr. Lelia said. "Most of all, you were great children, and you are still great children."

Koby Konshot, the student body president, revealed the contents of the time capsule that was buried 50 years ago; the school also started a new time capsule for the upcoming generations.

Irish dance presentations delighted the students, the parents, the teachers and the Sisters, who all together celebrated the anniversary of the school.

"Be faithful to your faith. Pray every day. … Make Jesus the center of your life. Always do your best and strengthen your faith," Sr. Lelia told the students.

"I have taught in Catholic schools and the sisters were the anchors of the Catholic schools, so it is wonderful that they could return," said Cece Holt, from the Catholic Woman’s League of Utah, who attended the celebration.