Quantcast
>

Basilica School celebrates century-long legacy with mass led by Bishop Noonan

Homilies

American Catholic Tribune Jan 16, 2025

Webp c25hjii221gsdgl9ekawfz7nx9g9
Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Bishop John Noonan celebrated Mass on January 15, 2025, marking the 100th anniversary of the Basilica School of St. Paul in Daytona Beach. The school is recognized as the oldest in the Diocese of Orlando.

Erika Wikstrom, superintendent of Catholic schools, highlighted the event as “a testimony to the impact of Catholic education.” Father Ken Gill, pastor at both the basilica and school, recounted its history. Initially opened with 35 students in grades one through eight, it operated out of what was formerly known as the St. Elmo Hotel. Before becoming a basilica, it was referred to as St. Paul Catholic School and was unique along Florida's east coast between St. Augustine and West Palm Beach.

The establishment was realized through Msgr. William Mullally's efforts after being appointed by Bishop Patrick Barry in 1923 to purchase land for a church and school in Daytona Beach. Within months, he acquired property on North Ridgewood Avenue and Cypress Street for $40,000. The site included a house that served as a rectory and a hotel converted into classrooms. A cottage across the street became a convent for Dominican Sisters from Blauvelt, New York.

Classes commenced in January 1925 within the old hotel structure. By September that year, five freshmen initiated what would become a high school program with an additional grade each year until Msgr. Mullally constructed a new high school building in 1947. St. Paul High School remained operational for over three decades until Father Lopez Catholic High School opened in 1958.

Today, Basilica School of St. Paul serves approximately 200 students from kindergarten through eighth grade while maintaining its mission rooted in faith and community service.

Principal Susan Pickles emphasized their commitment: “We have gone through a myriad of changes... Our children reflect the diversity of our community at large... We are also proud that many of our students go on to attend Father Lopez High School.”

In communication with Florida Catholic via email, Pickles described the school's unique environment: “We are a family... This is more than a job for our teachers and staff; this is a vocation... We truly teach the whole child.”

Erin Roszak has been teaching religion at the school for over two decades: “It has brought me immense joy every day to know I can teach and share my faith with my students.”

Former student Ron Pagano returned as principal after retirement: “I walked the hallways... it brought me back —the color, architectural structure...” He recalled his early days vividly: “I recall just staring up at St. Paul (in church)...”

Bishop Noonan concluded Mass by presenting Pope Francis's blessing for this centennial milestone: "The message of St. Paul was to share Jesus with everybody..."

Want to get notified whenever we write about Diocese of Orlando ?

Sign-up Next time we write about Diocese of Orlando, we'll email you a link to the story. You may edit your settings or unsubscribe at any time.

Organizations in this Story

Diocese of Orlando

More News