St. Bede community honors Our Lady of the Angels victims

Tiny flames from hundreds of white candles flickered as Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick spoke about both the benefits and dangers of fire.

"Used properly, fire can provide us with light, warmth and comfort," he said. "But it must be used properly."

The retired priest at St. Bede Catholic Church and school in Ingleside spoke to students and teachers on the 50th anniversary of the fire at Our Lady of the Angels school in Chicago. The blaze claimed the lives of 92 students and three nuns.

Rev. Fitzpatrick's words were part of a Monday morning program that included a fire drill conducted by members of the Fox Lake Fire Department and a prayer service that for the nearly 300 prekindergarten through eighth-grade student body.

"We do a little something every year to remember the tragedy," said technology teacher Jacquie Raslawski. "But we wanted to do something bigger and more special since it's the 50th anniversary."

Schools across the city and suburbs implemented stricter fire codes and began having regular fire drills in the wake of the fire. Though a few kids were shivering in the cold, the drill at St. Bede on Monday went swiftly and smoothly. The building was empty in just a few minutes.

Prayers were offered for the families who lost loved ones and also for protection against any trouble that might befall the St. Bede community and beyond.

"When you hear a siren, say a prayer," said Rev. Fitzpatrick. "That siren means someone is in trouble. Even if it's a false alarm, the firefighters are risking their lives racing to the scene."