August 9, 1999

Sacred Heart Academy Reunion
c/o Grace Maria Saia, SCN
7942 Farnifold Drive #1
Germantown, TN 38138

Dear Friends:

It is such a regret for me and my brother not to be able to attend the reunion of fromer Sacred Heart Academy students and teachers. I have such happy memories of my days there. Because of being at Sacred Heart Academy, I came to high school at Nazareth (Kentucky) and have been happily a Sister of Charity for over forty-five years.

I first came to Sacred Heart Academy in 1939. My teacher was gently Sister Rose Carmel. Dear Sister Erminelda had charge of the grade school children, took us to the chapel to sing "Goodnight, Sweet Jesus" each night before trotting us off to bed. My brother, Vincent, joined me two years later and we were both in our beloved Sister Catherine Louise's classroom. Because we were both so young, I especially appreciate the motherly love and kindness the Sisters showed us.

On many Sundays, Mrs. Sarah Brocato (the mother of Rose Ann, David, the twins) invited us over to her house on Columbia Street for a nice meal. What a dear lady! Also special to me was the Papa family on Arkansas Street. The mother of Josephine and Cherry often invited us over and that was a lovely Sunday treat.

Sister Claracena, strict and strong, directed my 7th and 8th grades. I thank her now but found her quite a challenge at times.

Do you remember good Sister Joseph Leo in the kitchen and turkey yard or Sister Mary Annette as a music teacher? I can recall sitting on the auditorium stage steps listening to a little radio and hearing President Roosevelt declare World War II.

The education we received was so sound and gave us a firm foundation for the future. Beyond the education was the love and concern, the feeling of community the years at Sacred Heart Academy bring to mind.

How I wish I did not have other plans! I would love to be with you. If you ever meet again, please let me know early. Special regards to all!

Very sincerely,

Sister Maria Vincent (Barbara Brocato)