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La Salette in Cheshire, CT
Below in the Article listings you will find pictures for each heading listed here.
Beginnings: 1957
With the student body in the La Salette Seminary in Hartford, CT, reaching over 100 students, the La Salette Missionaries saw the need to move their High School Seminary to a large facility.
In March of 1957 the La Salette Missionaries bought 106 acres of farmland on 475 Oak Avenue in Cheshire, CT. It included a farmhouse, a barn, a silo and a ramshackle shed. Invited to preside was Fr. Jean Roux, M.S., who blessed the property and residence on Aug 15, 1957. He was chosen because he had come to the U.S. from France in 1895. Assisting him was Fr. Charles Kirby, M.S., who, more than 50 years previous, was one of the first American students to enter the La Salette College in Hartford.
Construction and Dedication: 1957-1961
Then plans were made for the extensive 144,000 square feet facility, including living quarters for 125 young seminarians and 25 priests and brothers, a chapel, classrooms, recreational facilities, enclosing a large center courtyard. Also attached to the main building are a gymnasium and a convent for 10 sisters who were in charge of the seminary’s domestic departments. The seminary cost was nearly $2 million.
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| Bishop Hackett Blessing crucifix for chapel moments after he had blessed the cornerstone of the new seminary. |
Initially, Fr. Fred Julien, was appointed director of preparations, with Fr. Frank Falsey, and Bro. Arthur Michaud, a La Salette Missionary Brother, assisting him. They took up residence in the farmhouse on the property until fire destroyed their residence on April 4, 1958. Thereafter they rented a house across the street from the property.
The Groundbreaking Ceremony was held in July, 1959, led by Fr. William Crane, M.S. More than 400 priests, seminarians, sisters and laity were present.
Construction began in the summer of 1959 and the Dedication of the Seminary was held in September of 1961.
Religious Activities
From its opening in 1961, the student body averaged about 100-20 students over the next 15 years. As part of their curriculum, the students were required to serve in various ministries in the Cheshire area, including teaching Religious Education, and involvement in other ministries. Eventually the Cheshire facility became a School of Christian Leadership and Service, opening their rolls to students seeking Church involvement as active laity.
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| Shouts of joy ring out in the Yale Payne Whitney locker room, as the Varsity and coach Fr. Lowery clutch the ball used in the winning game. |
School Activities and Sports
Along with ministry involvement, the school had a very busy sports schedule. Our school, even with a very limited enrollment, managed to win the Connecticut State Class C Championship in 1974. The priests, brothers and students were justifiably proud of such a wonderful accomplishment.
Close of School and Sale of Property
By the early 1970s, a Renewal Center Ministry had opened at the Cheshire facility. Spiritual and educational programs were offered for adults and children. Prayer Group meetings, Healing Services and professional counseling services were also offered.
After over 15 years of ministry, the High School closed its doors in June of 1970s due to a decreasing numbers of vocations and increasing school expenses. The Renewal Center Ministry continued and rentals were welcomed.
In 1977 the Legionaries of Christ leased half of the building as their Novitiate. The property was sold in 1978 and eventually was purchased by them. As the numbers of Novices of the Legionaries of Christ increased, they added on a new wing to building in 1992.