St. Vincent Home had its beginnings as "Sacred Heart Asylum" in a building located at 15th and Grand Streets in Davenport, Iowa. It was managed by the Sister Servants of the Sacred Heart who came to Davenport at the invitation of Bishop Henry Cosgrove. However, the Sister Servants were recalled to France in 1896. In March of that year Bishop Cosgrove invited the Congregation of the Humility of Mary to take care of the 35 orphans in Davenport, to provide for their education and also to obtain funds for ongoing expenses. An article in the "Iowa Catholic Messenger" dated March 21, 1896, stated, "An orphanage such as the sisters contemplate founding here, is an absolute necessity, and it should be the pride of the Catholics to build up an institution in every way worthy of the young and enterprising Diocese of Davenport."

Before a year had passed the Sacred Heart Asylum, housed in a family sized home, proved inadequate for the increasing number of children. Plans were made for a new orphanage to be renamed St. Vincent Home. The sisters went on "begging tours" throughout the diocese. With a staff of four sisters, the congregation purchased 10 acres at North Gaines Street and the new building was ready for occupancy on November 4, 1897. Soon St. Vincent Home became the favored charity of the diocese and a unifying mission of southern Iowa Catholics.

Read more about St. Vincent Home in the 2010 Spring edition of The Flame HERE

Do you have memories of St. Vincent Home and School and the CHMs who taught there?  Please post your story in the comment section or send to [email protected]