School begins yearlong centennial celebration

Posted on Sep 26, 2005

Reprinted from the New Haven Register - September 24, 2005

By Pamela McLoughlin, Register Staff

MILFORD - The Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall on Friday kicked off what will be a school-year-long celebration of its 100th anniversary, a longevity that’s rare in a world where Catholic schools are closing and enrollment is dwindling, said Kathleen Kearns Donahue, director of alumnae relations.

Kearns Donahue, class of 1980, has a daughter attending the school, which draws students from across the region.

"This (celebration) recognizes that a Catholic girls’ high school has lasted so long," she said.

"Everybody’s very excited about the celebration. We’re grateful for the education we received. The same traditions and values remain, so everyone has a bond," she said, referring to graduating classes over several generations.

The long, winding driveway to Lauralton’s buildings is lined with cloth banners that say "A Century of Women Since 1905." The day of special events began with a liturgy and speeches from special guests in the school’s gymnasium, followed by a flag-raising outside.

Students raised a flag that was flown outside the nation’s capital Sept. 12, 1905, 100 years to the day since the first classes commenced at Lauralton. The flag will fly for the school year. Friday also marked the opening of the Heritage Room in the school mansion, containing 100 years of old photographs, uniforms, yearbooks and other memorabilia.

Lauralton President Barbara Griffin said the academy’s Irish roots date back to when Irish philanthropist Catherine McAuley, who had started schools for women in Ireland and wanted them to be recognized by the Church, founded the Sisters of Mercy.

It was Mother Mary Augustine Claven of the Mercy Sisters who had a desire to start a school in Milford and, with the help of St. Mary’s Church, founded the estate and opened the school to 25 students that first year.

The staff consisted of seven sisters and two laypeople. The school grew quickly; there were 70 students the second year.

Although Claven was known for her talent and vision, she also was known for her gentleness. She died in 1921 and is buried with other Sisters of Mercy in St. Mary’s Cemetery. There was a brief prayer service at her grave Friday and placement of flowers.