Br. Carl Bouchereau, S.C. spoke to all 7th grade classes today about the history of the stained glass window located on the second floor of the Cor Jesu building. The window tells the story of a young diocesan priest, Father Andre Coindre, and how he founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in Lyon France. It also shows the Brothers’ first venture into North America in Mobile, Alabama in 1847. Brother Polycarp responded to the invitation of Bishop Michael Portier and sent five brothers to the United States and the order began its transformation from a French congregation to a worldwide institute. In 1869, New Orleans Archbishop Jean-Marie Odin invited the Brothers to open a school in New Orleans, and St. Aloysius opened on September 26, 1869 with six students.
During his discussions to the classes, Br. Carl stressed that the most important message depicted in the window was about the importance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The window was a gift of the St. Aloysius Mother’s Club.
