Connect with Loretto through our stories of action, conscience-raising, education, faith, history, human interest, humor, hope, justice and peace, reflection, remembrance and vision – all embracing the common good. Learn more about the Loretto Community.
In March and April, Mary Nelle Gage SL and Ruth Routten SL led a Vietnam Motherland Tour for former adoptees and their families to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Operation Babylift. Mary Nelle had cared for some of those who joined…
Sr. Anndavid Naeger wrote this week about the beautiful English Elm tree on the Motherhouse Campus. For many years, Anndavid has written a newsletter called “Our Days at Loretto Motherhouse” for Loretto Community Members. In celebration of all things tree,…
Loretto Heritage Center staff preserve the papers and artifacts that document Loretto’s 200-year history; ensure that those who are interested have access to the collections, stories and resources housed at the Heritage Center; and share Loretto’s stories among the Community…
Sister Imelda Therese (I.T.) Marquez SL died peacefully around noon May 16, 2025. She had been visited by Community members during the morning and was accompanied by nursing staff when she quietly died at the Loretto Living Center. I.T. was 97 and…
Posted by the Springfield Sun May 14, 2025 The Dominican Sisters of St. Catharine’s Motherhouse joined forces with the Sisters of Loretto/Loretto Community to host a Community Gathering near their billboard on Highway 55. The gathering was held on Tuesday,…
It’s the end of the year and the Loretto Justice Fellows have wonderful reflections to share. From Iris Cano: Looking back on my time with the Loretto Justice Fellowship, I can confidently say that it was a highly valuable and…
In recognition of the fifty-year anniversary of Operation Babylift, multiple news stories are being produced commemorating the event and noting the role that Loretto Community members played in the operation. “The Vietnam War: Flight to a New Future,” with reporting…
At a recent talk to the Bioneers group in San Francisco, Indigenous poet Joy Harjo noted that “it’s always in those times of great disruption, chaos and disturbance that creativity steps forth.” It was a true joy to witness the…
Sister Eileen (formerly Sister Charles Maura) Kersgieter SL died early morning May 11, 2025, attended by the Loretto Living Center staff, Community members having surrounded her with care throughout recent days and weeks. Eileen, who was 94, began her Loretto life…
Sister Kathleen (formerly Sister Wilfrid) Vonderhaar SL died early this morning, May 7, at Loretto Motherhouse Living Center, surrounded by the prayers of the Community. Kathleen was 91 years old and in the 74th year of her Loretto life. It was Kathleen’s…
Sometimes what is emerging in our lives had its beginning years before humans recognized it. That is what is happening today with our concept of God. In “Crisis and Hope,” a March 13 blog post at the Center for Christogenesis…
Mary Nelle Gage and Ruth Routten captivated listeners at Regis University in Denver with their powerful stories of courage, tragedy and the remarkable rescue of orphans in Vietnam and Cambodia. Their presentations were part of the “2025 Stories from Wartime”…