On October 15, Westmoreland Land Trust welcomed St. Xavier Academy alumni, Sisters of Mercy, and friends of St. Xavier Nature Preserve for the premiere of Lives Shaped by Mercy: The St. Xavier Story. The 45-minute documentary, produced by Westmoreland Land Trust in partnership with the Sisters of Mercy and Seton Hill University Archivist Casey Bowser and made possible through generous support from McAuley Ministries, captures the remarkable history and enduring legacy of St. Xavier Academy. Through personal stories and reflections from alumni and the Sisters, the film celebrates the generations whose lives were shaped by this special place.
The premiere brought out a full house and was a meaningful opportunity to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate the lasting influence of the Sisters of Mercy. As stewards of St. Xavier Nature Preserve, Westmoreland Land Trust is committed not only to protecting the property’s natural resources but also to preserving its rich cultural and historical heritage. We are deeply grateful to McAuley Ministries, Seton Hill University, everyone who shared their stories at the event, and St. Xavier alumna Fran DeLallo, who generously provided refreshments for the celebration. This documentary ensures that the stories and spirit of St. Xavier will continue to inspire future generations.
Thank you to our generous supporters who sponsored the community premiere on October 15th, including The Fey Family Charitable Fund ($1,000 Heritage Sponsor); Saint Vincent Archabbey & Wimmer Corporation; Urban Terrain ($500 Mercy Sponsors); Toni Brant, Janet Merrelli, George Spanos / Nickos Chimney Company, Dr. Bernard & Mrs. Elaine Scherer, Stella Smetanka Mericli ($250 Friends of St. Xavier); and Maureen Brusca, Cokie Lindsay, Norbert Fey, Karen Ridilla, Ann Manoli Ruddy, Rosemary Slate, Sendell Motors / Mohler Family Foundation, and Tony Vittone / Vittone’s Music Center ($100 Friend of the Grove).
