The Loretto Community (sisters and co-members) stand in unity with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), and we are grateful for the wisdom, courage and integrity of those serving in its leadership. We are saddened by the assessment made by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith made public on April 19. As Loretto, we strive to fulfill our mission of working for justice and acting for peace, because the Gospel compels us. Collaborating and relating with members of other communities, made possible through the LCWR, furthers that mission and strengthens our resolve to live the Gospel values common to all religious women.

Call on us in any way we can be of help.

Your sisters,

Cathy Mueller, Donna Day, Elizabeth Croom, Buffy Boesen, Pearl McGvney, Vicki Schwartz, Maria Visse

Earlier in the concert, the Select Women’s Chorus sang the “Loretto Poets Suite,” composed by Duane Bridges, who teaches music classes in piano, composition, music theory and topics in popular music at Nerinx Hall. The suite features poems by Loretto Sisters Mary Ann Cunningham, Deborah Pearson, Ann Manganaro, and Mary Ann McGivern.

The concert was performed at 2 p.m. and again at 5 p.m. Both were well-attended by Loretto members and supporters and Nerinx Hall family and friends. Many enjoyed the reception in between the music-making to honor four Loretto artists — Jeanne Dueber, Gabriel Mary Hoare, Roberta Hudlow and Carina Vetter — and their works, which were featured in the lobby of the school’s Heagney Theatre.

Loretto Co-member Theresa Kinealy appreciates the artwork of Roberta Hudlow, SL.

Doris Pittman’s music was among the works featured at the May 6 concert. Here, Doris, at far right, enjoys the reception with family members in between the first concert and the repeat performance.

The artwork of Carina Vetter, SL, was featured at the Festival of the Arts, along with Loretto Sisters Jeanne Dueber, Roberta Hudlow and Gabriel Mary Hoare

In town at the concert were Loretto Sisters Maria Daniel and Samina Iqbal from Pakistan. Enjoying the reception between concerts are, from left, Maria, Nancy Wittwer, SL, Samina and Elizabeth Ann Compton, SL)

Ten SIUE students after a hard day of work.

On a chilly March morning, we plodded to our work site to find a wagonload so full of seedlings we never imagined it would be possible to plant all of them in the short time we had to spend there. The planting began on Monday morning and was finished by Wednesday evening. Thanks to extremely hard work and diligent planning, we were able to plant all fifteen thousand trees in just three days.

Our task was daunting, but the energy felt by everyone involved was contagious. As a group we were literally singing and dancing while planting, making the work even more fun and rewarding. We were inspired not only by the project, but by the Sisters and the environment created in this loving, compassionate, and joyful community. Having been to the Motherhouse many times, I can honestly say that I am always amazed at the liveliness that emanates from this community.

All of the students, especially those who were at the Motherhouse for the first time, commented on the feeling of belonging and acceptance they encountered. We did not feel like guests or visitors, but like we had always belonged at and were a part of Loretto. While reflecting on the trip as a whole, we were amazed at the amount of work that was done, but we continued to feel that this small amount of service would not be enough to show our appreciation for everything the Loretto community has done.

This machine made it all possible!

Whether we were sitting in the dining room the cafeteria eating meals, working in the fields, or attending Mass, we were constantly aware of the hospitality and the kindness shown by the Sisters and the surrounding community. We were also very grateful to be made a part of such a wonderful project in planting trees. Not only were we taking part in this important project to better the environment, but we were also given the opportunity to be a permanent part of Loretto and the Motherhouse land.

Our group is so grateful to the entire community for what they stand for, who they are, and the love they have shown to us and to everyone around them, and we cannot wait to return to the Motherhouse to see these trees grow. I speak for all of us when I say that this was much more than a service project—it was an opportunity to learn more about Loretto, one another, and ourselves, and to affect change in a community that is so deserving of our service.

Nasreen Daniel SL gives the introduction

Loretto sisters and students in historic Loretto habits, with Archbishop Coutts

In her introduction, Nasreen Daniel S.L. shared the humble beginning of Sisters of Loretto and how God worked through us to take his/her message to different parts of USA and then out of USA. The struggle and steadfastness of our sisters in different periods of our community’s history was brought under everybody’s attention.

Later, the students performed a drama on the early history of Sisters of Loretto. A boy from class 8th was Fr. Charles Nerinckx. He shared where he was born and how he helped the sisters to form the community. Mary Rhodes (a Muslim girl) imparted her watchful sight to see the need of time and act accordingly. Christina Stuart and Ann Havern too revealed their ardent yearning to make a difference in the lives of many deprived and underprivileged children on the Kentucky frontier. The sketch ended with the mantra “we work for justice and act for peace because the Gospel urges us”.

Archbishop Joseph Coutts spoke about the watchful and alert founders of Loretto who acted and kept their lamps ready for any time and need. He disclosed different services Sisters of Loretto have been offering in different parts of the world and prayed and wished the community.

After Mass, tea and refreshments were offered by the sisters of Loretto, and the students got special sweets appropriate for the Jubilee celebrations.

Loretto Sisters, Co-members and Nerinx Hall students will lift their voices in song during the Loretto Festival of the Arts, a concert and art show in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Loretto/Loretto Community Sunday, May 6, at Loretto-sponsored Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves.

The concert program includes musical selections in honor of Loretto and its jubilee, culminating with a performance of “Loretto Poets Suite” by composer Duane Bridges and “We Give You Glory” by Doris Pittman. Also featured will be Nerinx Hall’s orchestra and jazz band. Selected art works by Loretto Sisters Jeanne Dueber, Gabriel Mary Hoare, Roberta Hudlow and Carina Vetter will be displayed in the theater’s Knaup Lobby.

The concert will take place at 2 and again at 5 p.m. in the Heagney Theatre at Nerinx, 530 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, with an artists’ reception between the concerts. The Festival of the Arts is free and open to all.

Order free tickets online at http://lorettoartscelebration2012.eventbrite.com.

For more information or questions, please call event coordinator Lori Hunt at (314) 968-1505, ext. 125, or email her at lhunt@nerinxhs.org.

Why? To demonstrate the Loretto Community’s commitment to work for justice and to act for peace as Loretto celebrates 200 years of serving a nation of immigrants; to join in solidarity with the Catholic Sisters of the Upper Mississippi River Valley to raise awareness of the need for just and comprehensive immigration reform; to continue to implement the Resolution on Immigration adopted at the 2009 Loretto Community General Assembly; and to challenge people of conscience to connect the words of Jesus with one of the main issues of justice and human rights facing our nation today.

Where?
2509 Grinstead Dr. & Lexington (Top)
Muhammad Ali @ 5th St.
Muhammad Ali @ 21st St. (bottom)
237 E. Main St. @ Floyd (top)
New Cut @ Outer Loop (top)
330 E. Breckrindge St.

Read news coverage of our dedication prayer service on April 26 – at WAVE Louisville.

Many thanks to Maloney Outdoor Advertising for donating additional billboard space for this important message!

More info: Carolyn Jaramillo, Loretto Co-Member, member of Loretto’s Latin American/Caribbean Committee, chairwoman of the Loretto billboard project/prayer service, cderby37 AT gmail DOT com.

Interchange: What do you most look forward to in coming to work?

Maria: I like being available to the community and the staff so that we can help the Motherhouse to be a healthy place to build relationships and share our individual insights and wisdom. I also like the daily opportunity to work along with everyone. This rural setting could be seen as somewhat isolated, but that is just the illusion of space, that is, farm fields instead of blocks of buildings and 24/7 traffic. Just as it takes time to get from place to place in the city, we take about the same time to drive through the fields to “get urban.”

Interchange: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

Maria: Definitely it is learning more about management of the diverse activities here at the Motherhouse. For example, this year the Farm and Land Committee was a leader in the discussion of signing on for a government-sponsored conservation project. We were approved for participation in the Conservation Reserve Project (CRP) and have set aside 78 acres of land to be planted in native grasses and trees. This is a challenge that we know will be beneficial to this area in Marion County.

Interchange: The field of elder care is changing and evolving. How are these changes manifesting at the Motherhouse?

Maria: There are a lot of changes in the field of elder care and this is a topic of discussion throughout the Loretto Community. The question of urban or rural, small housing units or a more institutional setting, living apart from the community, individual preferences: all are being explored. Here at the Motherhouse we continue to try to provide care that takes into account the individual capabilities of each resident. Based on my two years in this position I see the staff here to be a key element in the warmth and the spirit of elder care manifested in our daily life. We have welcomed new residents, and they are creating opportunities that encourage people to get together.

Interchange: What do you like to do when you are not at work?

Maria: I like to walk around the farm, do some very amateur woodcarving, read, spend time with Garage Band, just talk to people or go into town. I also very much appreciate the stimulation provided by the book circles, Gospel reflection, centering prayer, the music presentations, space for quiet, prayerful reflection and the meeting with the visitors to Knobs and Cedars.

Interchange: Anything else?

Maria: I am happy to say that I feel at home here at the Motherhouse. This Jubilee year should give everyone the chance to come and experience the input of the great staff we are privileged to employ here. We are all looking forward to welcoming the Jubilee celebrants, and we are known for our hospitality!

The remembrance and photo were submitted by Benjamin Ola. Akande, Dean of the Walker School of Business at Webster University School of Business. Read his lovely reflection here.