SISTERS OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (PBVM)

SISTERS OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (PBVM) Order founded by Nano Nagle in Ireland in 1775. Sister Vincent Hennessy and three postulants arrived in Dubuque in November 1874, at the request of then Bishop of Dubuque, John HENNESSY. With no convent to house them, the sisters lived for two months with the SISTERS OF THE VISITATION OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (SVM). In January 1875, they moved to Key West using the rectory of St. Joseph's Parish as a motherhouse and school.

In February 1875, the sisters accepted responsibility for the district school near their church. They were paid by the county and continued operating the public school until 1940 when it became completely controlled by the church.

The motherhouse was transferred to a convent/ school on Rush Street in 1879. With the completion of a separate school in 1897, the first building became a convent. The convent and new school became known as "West Hill School" or St. Vincent's. In 1904 SAINT COLUMBKILLE'S CHURCH was erected. In 1909 land was purchased on Wilde Street (Mt. Loretta) and a new motherhouse was built. In 1952 an addition was dedicated. Now known as Villa Raphael, this complex has been a home for retired priests and the Archdiocesan Center.

The sisters have been closely affiliated with SAINT COLUMBKILLE'S SCHOOL and have also served at WAHLERT HIGH SCHOOL. In Dubuque the sisters are frequently associated with the teaching of CCD classes.

The size of the order has grown so large that in 1969 the vacant MOUNT ST. BERNARD'S COLLEGE AND SEMINARY on Carter Road was purchased for their motherhouse. The name was changed to Mt. Loretto.