Catholic Educational Endeavors
the grounds were built and needed equipment purchased, thanks to the legacy of seventeen city lots left by Mr. Bremond to the Academy. By 1894 the Academy was out of debt. Its continued growth required a new wing for a music hall, additional classrooms, and a recreation room in 1903.1: In the summer of 1907, the Sisters of Holy Cross at St. Mary's Academy took advantage of the educational facilities of the University of Texas for the first time. In the fall application was made for affiliation of the High School division. Full recognition was granted in June, 1908, making the Academy the first Catholic school in Texas to be affiliated. New, modern science laboratories were installed in the years that fol- lowed, the library was built up to over 4,000 books, its music and art departments were enlarged, and every effort was made to keep the highest standards possible in accord with the latest trends in education. The Academy counts among its superiors outstanding members of the Con- gregation, chief among them being Mother General Mary Vicentia, who was Mother Superior of St. Mary's Academy from 1920 to 1926. In 1924, when its Golden Jubilee was celebrated, the Holy Father bestowed His Apostolic Benediction upon the Sisters, patrons and students of the Academy. In September, 1947, the Sisters of Holy Cross in Austin acquired the estate of E. H. Perry, located on 710 East 41st Street. After selling the former historic site, they moved to the new location, where they enjoy more spacious grounds. St. Mary's Academy was reopened in September, 1947. The grammar school has been discontinued except for the seventh and eight grades. The Sisters agreed in 1951 to take care of the seventh and eighth grades of St. Austin's parish school as St. Austin Annex. At the request of Father Joseph Hennessy, they took charge of St. Mary's parish school for the Spanish-speaking of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1919 after the Dominican Sisters gave it up. Sister M. Leonidas was sent that fall to take charge of it and fell in love with her work. In 1920 she was given Sister M. Millicent as an assistant and the next year the !';taff was increased to three. A convent was first built for the teachers of Guadalupe School at the corner of Fifth and San Antonio Streets. The Church, school and convent were moved, however, in 1926 to the corner of Ninth and Lydia Streets and there, in a remodeled old building with a historic past, the Sisters have continued to care for the Spanish-speak- ing. From 1919 to 1936, Sister Leonidas was the spirit that regenerated 12cahlll, o-j. cit., 8-9.
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