Staff, students, parents and church leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony as the school reopened.
Church leaders reflected on the road to reopening. Fr. Matthew Tralies said, "Back together again, our God is so very good."
The reopening comes after a fire broke out on the evening of Oct. 7, 2024, after school had let out.
Massive fire ravages Catholic school building in Springfield Twp., Delaware County
Smoke and flames shot from windows and the roof, causing extensive damage to the pre-K and kindergarten building. No one was injured, but the nearly 100-year-old school was forced to close while rebuilding efforts took place.
Archbishop Nelson Perez recalled the aftermath of the fire, saying, "It was a dark day, wasn't it? It was a sad day."
During the rebuilding process, the St. Francis community relocated to nearby St. Kevin's.
"They welcomed us with open arms, and it was a phenomenal place to be, but it's not home, and we're so happy to be home," Principal Nicole Hamilton said.
To celebrate the return, the school rolled out a red carpet for students in each grade as parents watched. Archbishop Perez blessed the new building and spoke about the community's perseverance.
"It's a great sign of hope," Perez said.
He added, "It's a sign of their love for St. Francis school, it's a sign of hope, it's also a sign of resiliency."
The school is also scheduled to hold an open house on Sept. 13 for community members to tour the new space.