Loretto welcomes you
The Loretto Community
We are the Congregation of the Sisters of Loretto and Loretto Co-members. Since 1812, through education and service to those who are poor, we continue to work for justice and act for peace because the Gospel urges us.
Recent posts
Join us at an upcoming event
Loretto on Facebook
Sister Johanna Brian shares about her nonagenarian experience so far!
“I seem to be experiencing a shifting perspective as I continue the process of aging. The texture of life seems richer, more real, more time-consuming as well as more beautiful and more satisfying. T.S. Eliot’s observation that all the way to heaven is heaven seems true. On the other hand, the darkness is darker, and pain is more painful. I now sense that I am more a human ‘being’ than a human ‘doing.’
“I guess the thing that surprises me most is the wide variation of experiences present in the reality of being in my ninth decade. I feel like I’m 60 every morning, 70 by noon, 80 by 4 o’clock, and 90 in the evening. I plan my day accordingly.
“I definitely find myself living in the house of Mary and Martha. Like Mary, I feel called to devote serious time to the practice of contemplative prayer. Martha drops by often to remind me of what I could/should be doing to address the urgent needs of the world and to urge me to get out of and stay out of my comfortable rut. I hesitate to give advice. In the rooms of AA, unsolicited advice is tantamount to criticism.
“The book of nature is my greatest source of wonder and amazement, and I spend a lot of time outside with the cats, bugs and birds. I also pause often to wonder at the pace and depth of changes that have come about in my life span. I marvel at the potential for good and harm inherent in AI, and I wonder if humanity will wake up before it’s too late.
“What gives me hope? The passion, dedication, creativity and energy of many, many spiritually awakened people who are working on many issues needing crisis intervention gives me hope. Pope Leo also gives me tremendous hope as well as Loretto Link, which assures our continued involvement in the work that must be done in the future.”
#LorettoNonagenarians
12 CommentsComment on Facebook
Living our mission
Because the Gospel urges us, Loretto works for justice and acts for peace through our four pillars of Education, Advocacy, Healing and Spirituality.
With priority concerns of immigration justice, care for Earth and the abolition of nuclear weapons, Loretto Community members cultivate justice and promote peace efforts in the United States, at the United Nations and around the world, including in education, healthcare, spiritual accompaniment, the empowerment of women, environmental stewardship, anti-discrimination, land acknowledgement and advocacy.
