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Menkus 1970 FidelisSt. Francis said to his early followers, “Go, my dear brothers, two by two through different parts of the world, announcing peace to the world and penance for the remission of sins.” Inspired by the Gospel passage, when Christ sent the Apostles out, two by two, with just their sandals and little else, St. Francis wanted his brothers to walk.

It's no longer easy to walk the grounds of what was St. Fidelis High School and College, because it's now a private school with limited access to the public. Though that's the case, we hope to establish an “on-line walk through,” or a “virtual walkabout,” that will take you back, or introduce you, to a beloved Catholic institution. In order to construct this site, we will need your help. By help, we mean the contribution of memories. Memories that include photographs, artwork, articles, essays and/or poetry.

Butler1aOur memories are made up of a lot more than buildings. What made St. Fidelis more riveting were the people associated with it. It's for that reason we want to dedicate these pages to the students, graduates, teachers, professors, invaluable staff, affiliates, friends, families and Capuchin Franciscan Friars that graced the confines of those buildings and grounds at St. Fidelis Seminary. We also want to extend this dedication to all those curious about the essence, or legacy, of “SFS”.

Birdwatch2One activity frequently done at St. Fidelis was walking: 

  • walking back from soccer or baseball practice or walking down to the “Big Gym” (the place with the green floor) for basketball practice and pickup games. 
  • going to the “bird banding” station
  • walking to the auditorium for play practice and movies

There was an earthy aspect to our walking

  • trips around the 12 outdoor grotto-like Stations of the Cross that set in stone Christ’s Sacred Passion.
  • walks down the railroad tracks with the destination being the “Inkwell.” It was named that way because it was so deep in the woods. The  nights there were as “black as ink.”

SFSField2There was also the ethereal part of walking:

  • the hallowed stroll around campus, along walkways lined with the legendary roses, planted and cared for by Fr. Gervase
  • the soulful strides down the isle of the inspirational St. Anthony’s chapel

All that walking, under the steady guidance of the Capuchins and exemplary staff, led us to compassion, faith, spiritual courage, empathy in suffering and the meaning of brotherhood. This ArtNestler Sonled us even further along our own paths to success in life, self-denial, caring for the least of our brothers and sisters, a profound self-respect and a respect for others

We hope you can walk this new pathway that remembers St. Fidelis Seminary, High School and College, whether things are bright and sunny, or whether you are found in the shadows in the woods. 

Pax et Bonum - Peace and Good

Arthur P. Nestler ('78)

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SFS Alumni Webform