Hundreds of parishioners and former students from St. Robert Bellarmine came together on August 19, to celebrate the end of an 87-year relationship with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN).

The departure is especially difficult for the last three Sisters, Mary Lou Stoffel, Lea Cozzini and Ann Fanella. “We all share with them a heavy heart for the conclusion of our active mission here,” said Sister Carol Lichtenberg, SNDdeN, Provincial.

Sisters Mary Lou, Lea and Ann are moving back to their provincial home in Cincinnati.

During the celebration with former students and parishioners, the Sisters received a blessing and took part in the opening of the Learning Garden, a special area on school grounds built by volunteers and dedicated to all of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who have loved and nurtured so many children and families in Chicago.

Since 1931, nearly 100 SNDdeN have worked in the St. Robert Bellarmine school as teachers, administrators and volunteers. The sisters have also been a faithful presence and source of strength in the St. Robert Bellarmine parish community, most recently serving as eucharistic ministers, visiting the homebound and providing spiritual guidance to former students and their families. “I will miss their friendship and presence,” said Father Neil Fackler, pasto of St. Robert Bellarmine. “They have truly been a gift to us.”