Author archive
Martha Alderson CoL
The Porch of Possibility, Vol. II, by Cecily Jones SL (1924–2017), is available for purchase. The book, published in 2018, includes 33 poems, most com-posed after Vol. I was published in 2013, but there are a few older poems that were found among Cecily’s private papers. Below is an excerpt from the collection’s title poem. “The…
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Anne Catherine Spillane (known as Nancy by her family) was a bright light wherever she was. It was often said that she was “everyone’s best friend,” so well did she fulfill that role. Known as Sister Lucian, from 1947 to 1971, she served Loretto in many capacities — teacher at Mary Queen of Peace in…
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Interchange never sleeps.” This was always Mary Ann McGivern’s motto as an Interchange editor. Many Loretto members heard that statement from Mary Ann, along with, “Why don’t you write it up? Readers will want to know the details.” She also often pointed out that Interchange is contributor-driven, meaning that it could not exist without contributions…
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(Editor’s Note: Material obtained from telephone conversation between Martha Alderson and Donna Doyle) Born in Mobile, Ala., Donna Doyle still has Mobile in her speech pattern after all these years. She began teaching at age 18, as she says knowing nothing about doing so but armed with stories from Sister Imelda. She had 54 fourth…
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It is not a surprise that the Loretto Motherhouse Infirmary received an above average rating in nursing homes in Kentucky and, in fact, in the nation. Loretto members, staff and Motherhouse residents know that the Infirmary operates in an excellent manner under the capable direction of Michelle Essex, the Infirmary administrator. Year after year the…
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As reported in the September issue of Interchange, Mary Catherine Rabbitt received the John J. Campbell Award for her work with Colorado Elder Law. The award ceremony was at Vail, Colo., on Aug. 24. It is impressive, not only that Mary Catherine has this award but also that she is the first recipient. The award…
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The needs of immigrants and refugees are dire, especially in this political and social atmosphere. The Loretto Community generously set aside a grant fund of $75,000 to use this year expressly for immigrant and refugee services. The maximum given to each applicant was $5,000. Fifteen groups received money. As of July 22, all of the…
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Cecily (Peggy mostly, to me) was so many qualities I admired and such support to me that it would take much too much time and space to elaborate. Nevertheless, I find there are two special qualities I want to remind us of. First, Cecily was ever the political activist, always working for justice. She called…
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