Loretto expresses its deep gratitude for all those who have gone before us

Statues of an angel and a cross are profiled by the sunset behind them. Text on the photo reads "We remember: Guadalupe ‘Lupe' Arcineiga SL - November 10, Patty Brush CoL - February 11, Pauline Albin SL - February 18, Ann Skeffington SL - March 28, Ann Compton Kammien CoL - June 29, Dorothy Ortner CoL - August 4, Barbara Ann Barbato SL - August 7, Rosemary Chinnici SL - August 20, Leonard Urban CoL - September 26, Mary McAuliffe SL - October 5, Mary Ann Cunningham SL - October 8, Pat McShea CoL - October 23" — We remember the members of the Loretto Community who have died this past year.

Walking, I am listening to a deeper way. Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch. Listen. You are the result of the love of thousands.
Linda Hogan, “Dwellings: A Spiritual History of the Living World”

As a community of vowed women religious, as a community of Christian believers, Loretto is, indeed, “the result of the love of thousands.” What a beautiful expression, one which honors and acknowledges all those who came before us.

As Loretto celebrates the feasts of All Saints and All Souls the first week of November, on our Facebook page we will offer tributes to those in our Community who have died in the past 12 months. These November feast day celebrations serve as beautiful reminders to remember with grateful hearts all our Loretto members who have gone before us, along with our wonderful family, friends and ancestors.

Guadalupe ‘Lupe’ Arcineiga – November 10, 2023
Patty Brush CoL – February 11, 2024
Pauline Albin – February 18, 2024
Ann Skeffington – March 28, 2024
Ann Compton Kammien CoL – June 29, 2024
Dorothy Ortner CoL – August 4, 2024
Barbara Ann Barbato – August 7, 2024
Rosemary Chinnici – August 20, 2024
Leonard Urban CoL – September 26, 2024
Mary McAuliffe – October 5, 2024
Mary Ann Cunningham – October 8, 2024
Pat McShea CoL – October 23, 2024

What is our journey back to God? Will we be saints? Will we be among the holy souls? No one is perfect, but we must try: in our relationships, in community, in response to the critical issues facing our planet.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, 4:1-6, tells us, “I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you received … bearing with one another through love.”

Let’s try.