Evolution of the University of St. Francis

	Reversal "The Diocese of Chicago was 20 years old when Mother Alfred Moes arrived in Joliet to begin teaching at St. John School. Bishop Duggan had already become very sick and unable to manage the Diocese. In November 1869, Bishop Thomas Foley took over the leadership of the troubled Diocese. As if difficulties were not sufficient, the Great Chicago Fire of October 1871 devoured vital parts of the city, including many churches, schools and the seminary.
	Not far from Chicago, Mother Alfred had enjoyed great success in her educational expansion. St. Francis Academy 's first catalog already listed students from all parts of Illinois and from Tennessee, Missouri and Ohio.
	In all these early years Bishop Foley had praised and blessed Mother Alfred and her Sisters. After the fire the Bishop's attitude seemed to become much more cautious concerning Mother Alfred and her pursuits.
	Bishop Foley forbade her to use the Joliet Opera House and called for an election, in which Mother Alfred would not be eligible for re-election. The Bishop demanded that Mother Alberta function as Superior. These actions all suggested a great change of attitude in Bishop Foley. These last years of the 1870s reflect many REVERSALS."2