Celebrating a Legacy of Courage: 100 Years in Belmont, California
July 6, 2023
One hundred years ago, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur made a bold decision. The Sisters had spent 70 years building a vibrant educational center in San Jose, but the passage of time left them yearning for more space to accommodate their ever-growing community. While many Sisters and the day students of Notre Dame San Jose remained nestled in their familiar surroundings, some of the Sisters embarked on a grand adventure, relocating with their boarders to the enchanting Ralston Hall in what would become the city of Belmont. Over the past century, they have become an essential part of the fabric of this blossoming community.
On Sunday, September 24, 2023, hundreds of Sisters, friends, and supporters came together to celebrate this centennial anniversary.
Rev. Anthony McGuire served as Presider for the Liturgy during the Belmont 100th Celebration Day.
“Thanks for the women of faith and such daring vision based on their faith, that they were willing to endure many obstacles and hardships to make that vision of faith come alive.”
— Father Tony McGuire in his celebratory homily
As part of the festivities, Sister Jean Stoner, SNDdeN, accepted proclamations from Congressman Kevin Mullin, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Belmont Mayor Julia Mates, recognizing the Sisters’ enduring legacy.
Please enjoy this beautiful video, which debuted at the event courtesy of Notre Dame de Namur University, exploring the Sisters’ rich history.
We thank those who attended this beautiful event and look forward to the future of the Sisters’ enduring legacy.
Belmont Gala: A Legacy of Courage Looks to the Future
This story was featured in the Winter 2023 edition of Sowing Goodness.
Nearly 400 Sisters and friends – including Associates, alumni, students, staff, former Sisters, supporters, and community and state leaders – gathered in September 2023 at Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) in Belmont, California, for the centennial celebration of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur’s arrival to the area.
Belmont Mayor Julia Mates presents to Sister Jean Stoner, SNDdeN, a proclamation for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, celebrating their arrival in Belmont 100 years ago.
Upon finding the beautiful Ralston land in 1923, in what would later be known as Belmont, Sisters spent countless hours and days restoring the old mansion on the property. In September of 1923, the inaugural classes in the college, high school and elementary departments commenced their educational journey.
Over the years, these educational institutions flourished, and their roots intertwined with the fabric of the surrounding community. Many Sisters graced the classrooms of Notre Dame Elementary School (NDE), the former Montessori School (currently Notre Dame Preschool), Notre Dame Belmont High School (NDB), and the College of Notre Dame (now Notre Dame de Namur University). Sisters imparted their wisdom to future generations, assuming the mantle of teachers and leaders within these esteemed schools. From the start, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have had a wonderful relationship with the community in and around Belmont, a relationship that remains strong today.
The NDB Musical Tigers from Notre Dame High School in Belmont participated in the Liturgy and sang a beautiful rendition of “Hail Notre Dame” during the program.
The gathering was a collaboration of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, NDNU, NDB and NDE. Festivities included a beautiful liturgy, followed by a buffet luncheon and program. Several Sisters, students from each school, and other friends participated by doing readings, serving as Eucharistic Ministers, sharing reflections, singing, and more.
The Sisters were presented with several honors, including proclamations from the Mayor of Belmont and the Governor of California. It was a wonderful reunion of old friends and an opportunity to meet new ones, all of whom have been touched by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and our mission to make known God’s goodness.
Nearly 400 Sisters, Associates, alumni, students, staff, former Sisters, supporters, and community and state leaders gathered for the celebration.
