History

Two hundred years and counting! Loretto has responded to the call of God to serve God’s people. From children to adults, from elementary to graduate-level education, from eldercare to advocacy for the homelessness and underserved, Loretto has left its mark on the world as it seeks to “work for justice and act for peace.” Learn more about the history of Loretto.

Home » History

Snoopy in the Archives

By Loretto Heritage Center / March 25, 2025 /

A framed original Snoopy cartoon, signed by Charles Schulz. Snoopy wears a coat and tie and his thought bubble reads "I can spell "Rorschach" and I can spell "Logophile" and "Arachibutyrophobia" but I can't spell how WONDERFUL Sister Judith is!"

An article in Sister Ann David Naeger’s newsletter “Our Days at Loretto Motherhouse” dated August 31, 2015 tells the story behind an original Charles Schulz Snoopy cartoon housed in the…

Photo album: Loretto members tirelessly pursue justice and peace

By Mary Ann McGivern SL / March 10, 2025 /

A group of protesters gather with signs on a cold day

Explore the rich story of Loretto’s peacemaking history in the Winter 2021 issue of Loretto Magazine. 1990s We are called to be missionaries of peace. … It means making space…

St. Mary’s Academy celebrates 160 years

By Regina Drey SL / March 10, 2025 /

Smiling elementary and high school students gather together outdoors in summer

When the 699 students of St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) gathered for the school’s 160th birthday party in September, it was a joy-filled, high-energy celebration from drone cameras capturing students forming…

Sisters of Selma

By Loretto Community / March 3, 2025 /

Three women walking on the sidewalk of a road bridge with a large white arch and the sign Edmund Pettus Bridge on an overcast day.

After Selma, Sister, you can’t stay home again. Sister Margaret Ellen Traxler SSND March is the 60th Anniversary of the Selma, Ala., marches. During March 1965, approximately 50 sisters representing…

For a New Age: In Kentucky and Colorado Loretto’s Newest Members Set Strides

By Reba Weatherford / February 25, 2025 /

Original author unknown This article was republished from the Winter 1964 issue of Loretto Magazine. It takes a look at the changes to the Loretto Novitiate in the 1960s. When…

Re-discovering America: Understanding colonization

By Sister Anndavid Naeger SL / February 5, 2025 /

A man wearing glasses and a flannel shirt speaking into a microphone indoors.

On Dec. 2 at the Loretto Motherhouse L. Kilan Jacobs came carrying the whole life of his Osage history, which he shared with us without any notes. He covered a…

Doctor Who?

By Loretto Community / January 24, 2025 /

Black and white photo of a woman in a white uniform making notes on a medical chart in a dispensary.

Though she may not be known for the sharp wit and teasing personality of Patrick Troughton, the iconic scarf and K9 companion of Tom Baker, or the resigned determination of…

On the road with Loretto as we explore our roots!

By Loretto Community / January 15, 2025 /

Four friends smile together for a selfie shaded by a large tree on a sunny day.

Loretto members Karel Disponett, Neil Tucker, Julie Popham and Eleanor Craig set out this past September from the Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, Ky., for a weeklong expedition eastward to explore…

Putting the Pieces Together on Immigration

By Eleanor Craig SL / January 10, 2025 /

A group of mostly women and one man post for a photo holding crosses and a colorful banner that reads "Loretto Volunteers: Working for Justice, Acting for Peace."

One of the most intriguing aspects of an archival collection is that it contains many bits and pieces that, woven together, reveal entire stories. Sometimes a curious researcher comes upon…

Loretto in Colorado: Carrying out our mission of education since 1864

By Loretto Community / November 18, 2024 /

Bird's eye view of St. Mary's Academy with the "160" spelled out by the student body on the soccer field. The Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains are visible in the background.

From its beginning in 1812 in Kentucky, Loretto expanded its mission of education quickly. Santa Fe, N.M., saw the opening of Our Lady of Light Academy in 1852. Three Sisters…

Sisters of Loretto have historic relics

By Loretto Community / November 15, 2024 /

Published by The Lebanon Enterprise on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 Father Pier Giorgio Dengler thinks religious relics should be displayed so the faith of believers can be reinforced. It made…

The Enduring Mystery of the Loretto Chapel Staircase

By Loretto Community / October 9, 2024 /

Published by Atlas Obscura on October 8, 2024 It’s considered a miracle, an engineering marvel, and even a scientific anomaly, depending who you ask. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, the…

Your support makes all the difference

Donate today

Loretto welcomes you

Learn more or plan a visit to the Motherhouse!

Get in touch

The Loretto Community consists of the congregation of the Sisters of Loretto and Loretto Co-members. The congregation of the Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross was founded in rural Kentucky in 1812. Today, our Sisters and Co-members continue to live out the Loretto Community’s mission to “work for justice and act for peace because the Gospel urges us.” In the United States and throughout the world, Loretto Community members serve in many fields, including education, healthcare, elder care, environmental stewardship and advocacy.