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St. Giles Church got its name from the saint, Giles. Saint Giles was born in Athens, Greece, where he lived for years as a hermit and an abbot. Not wanting recognition for his good deeds, Giles went to France and lived again as a hermit at a deserted spot near the mouth of the Rhone River. One day a prince was hunting in the area and a deer, his prey, fled to the saint for protection. At another time, the King of France was hunting and accidentally shot Giles in the knee. The saint decided not to tend to his wounded knee and remained a cripple for life. The King of France was greatly pleased with Giles and gave him land to build a monastery. This became a large and popular abbey.
St. Giles is shown as an old man with an arrow in his knee and is usually pictured with a deer at his side. Because of his injury, he is known as "the patron saint of cripples." There are churches in many countries that are named after Saint Giles. Since Saint Giles lived a calm, peaceful life in the country, these churches are located mainly on the outskirts of towns, much like St. Giles of Oak Park, which is just outside the city of Chicago.
St. Giles Church
Statue of St. Giles in the Church Courtyard
Our school is a little different from other schools, because it is in four separate buildings. Three of the buildings, formerly known as the primary, middle, and north buildings, have been renamed to honor previous pastors of St. Giles Church. Each of these buildings has a computer lab and a library. The newest addition to our campus is the new preschool located in the old convent.
The classrooms for our students in kindergarten through second grade are located in the Corrigan Building. This building also houses the school office and gym.
The Gleeson Building is the home of the third and fourth grade students.
The Frawley Building has the largest student population, with students from fifth through eighth grade. The art and music rooms are located in this building.
The former convent building is the new home of the 3 and 4 year old pre-school.
ABOUT
ST. GILES
