Sacred Heart Villa
1940-2025
The vision of Sacred Heart Villa began to take shape in October 1937 when permission was given by Archbishop Glennon with the help of Father Lupo, pastor of St. Ambrose parish, to purchase the property for a kindergarten and a day nursery at the corner of Macklind and Wilson. The purpose was to establish an ideal childcare facility for working mothers on the “Hill,” and provide a strong, quality foundation for the children in preparation for entering elementary school— during workday hours, in a caring and nurturing environment, while preserving the Italian culture and heritage.
As the architect, Angelo B. M. Corrubia designed the structure, and Charles Cristina, the general contractor, oversaw the project over the course of the three years until its completion.
The Missionary Zelatrices of the Sacred Heart (later know as Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) were the religious sisters who would staff the new school. The pioneer women included Sr. Rosina Dassi, Sr. Annette Iraldi, Sr. Imelda Mancini, Sr. Rosalinda Taranto and beloved Sr. Felicetta Cola. The Sisters lived in a little bungalow on Wilson Avenue during construction and eventually moved their residence into the school building.
From the inception, there was always a plan to establish a girl’s high school at Sacred Heart Villa, and that plan materialized. The daycare facility moved to the adjoining home of the original structure to allow the establishment of Cor Jesu Academy in 1956. Nine years later, the high school had outgrown its space on the Hill and moved to its current location at 10230 Gravois Road in 1965.
With the relocation of Cor Jesu, the Sacred Heart Villa found its way back to the original building, where the Sisters continued to serve in their mission and meet needs of an ever-changing society while maintaining up-to-date standards. The women focused on upgrading the classrooms with modern conveniences and renovating the kitchen and dining rooms to allow a hot meal at lunch.
Today, Sacred Heart Villa serves children from 2 to 5 years of age, with the toddler program being the Villa’s most recent addition. This program has been well-received and is, in fact, the largest age group at the Villa today!
The Sisters continue to have their impact on the Villa, but they have been strengthened by dedicated lay people who serve with the spirit and charisma of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart.
January 3, 2025 marked the 85th anniversary of the Sacred Heart Villa, which will be celebrated at the annual auction on April 25, 2025 at Rose of the Hill. To bring attention to this momentous occasion, new lighting will brighten the front entrance to the Villa.
And you could be a part of this landscaping improvement!
In exchange for your donation, you will receive a Villa yard sign. Anyone can participate—present families, aunts, uncle, grandparents, alumnus, teachers, staff and friends!
And to continue with the 85th anniversary celebrations, we will welcome the Archbishop in September for Mass and invite anyone to share memorabilia and memories of their experiences while at the Villa.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to bless us and strengthen our mission on the Hill.