Benedictine Sisters Continue to Prepare for Move, Share Memories of St. Benedict Academy

The Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh, a monastic community of women that has lived and served in Ross Township since about 1926, continue to hold their farewell open houses as they prepare for their move to Richland Township. 

The most recent open house was held April 21 for the classes of 1964 through 1969 of the St. Benedict Academy. 

Two open houses remain: May 5 for the classes 1956 through 1963; and June 2 for the classes 1935 through 1955. 

The . It will be about a third of the size of the 78,000-square-foot convent at 4530 Perrysville Avenue. 

"I have so many wonderful memories of teaching at SBA," . Dettling taught Latin, Religion, and English and was a part-time guidance counselor.

"We were all young and enthusiastic and I loved my students," she said, adding: 

Do some of you remember learning to fall gracefully to the floor for the death scene in The Trojan Women? Do you know who had a cranberry and pink habit and why?

It was fun being prompter for the senior plays even though you kept me up all hours of the night and I had to be up at 5:00 am for morning prayer! And I know who put the cigarettes in the hand of the St. Benedict Statue at the top of the hill!!!! 

 wrote: 

My sister graduated from St. Benies... I was the rebel and went to North Hills - but I danced on the tables for something for the seniors. They had a lua theme and I danced polynesean and made the year book.

Julie was voted most photogenic and I know she has wonderful memories. I have wonderful memories of going there for weekend retreats and later visiting the nuns that taught at St. A's. My mother then went there for the senior activities. St. Benedicts has been a huge part of my whole life - I am sad to see this come to an end but thrilled that the sisters will have a new home.

And from r: 

Although I went to Holy Ghost High, on the next hill, I remember the great rivalry with St. Benedict's and the friends I had there. I also remember two incredible perfomances of Anna and the King (The King and I) and The Miracle Worker. These girls were so talented. Good Luck to the Sisters at their new location.

 wrote: 

For Students, Faculty or Staff, SBA offered a welcome, supportive environment, and challenged all to their best. I enjoyed the students of every class and home room-- Freshman Speech, English, Business, speech and debate preparations and competitions, and the basketball games. Blessings on all!!! 

And :

I loved my time at 4530 Perrysville Avenue. I received an excellent education from caring teachers and I cherish the friendships I made at the academy and with the Benedictine Sisters.

What memories do you have of attending St. Benedict's Academy or serving with the sisters? Tell us in the comments!