The Cathedral Parish of St. Raymond Nonnatus 1917-1992
Written by Robert R. Morris

Part 1: The First Shovel of Dirt
The wind was sharp as it carried stinging snow flurries on its wings, blowing them sideways. The day was dary and grey, like most November days in Joliet, Illinois. The mood was hopeful yet filled with foreboding, much like the weahter. On this day, November 8, 1917, Father Francis Scanlan stood huddled with a group of his faithful, holding a shovel in his hands.

Filed with pride, Father Scanlan plunged the shovel into the sandy clay and turned over the partially frozen dirt to the applause of the spectators. Father Scanlan looked at his flock and said, "On this spot we will build a parish complex second to none in the diocese!"

And sometime late, Father Scanland looked at his parishoners, stood straight and tall, and once again filled with pride, said to them,"

"Untold and yet unborn generations will bless our memory and foresight in the purchase of this property. For someday there will arise on it a Cathedral!"

And with that attitude of dignity and confidence, the community of believers gathered around their pastor and formed the parish of Sain Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, one that would indeed become the Cathedral parish of a diocese. It was a parish with a purpose, one that was founded on pride.

Pride.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines pride as, "A sense of one's own proper dignity or value; self-respect." Pride in the people of St. Raymond Parish would continue throughout the good times and the tough times during the history of this touchstone parish in Joliet.

This is their story.

Back | Index | Next