Topic archive
Motherhouse
“Our Old Kentucky Home” – The Loretto Motherhouse is the heart of the Loretto Community. Located in Marion County, Ky., the site and the nearby town are named after our priest-founder Charles Nerinckx. Thousands of women entered the Community through its doors to follow God’s call of service. Today, it remains a home to our members, who gladly welcome visitors. Learn more about our Motherhouse.
Changes in the federal government lead to uncertainty for farmers: The Loretto Motherhouse Farm is affected by these challenges.
By Angela Rakes Agriculture, for better or worse, is closely intertwined with the federal government. The soybeans we grow are often exported to Asian countries for use in their food supply. Grain prices are decided by global markets. With the…
Is Spiderman Buried at the Loretto Motherhouse? Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery Questions Asked (and Mostly Answered)
This summer, the Loretto Heritage Center and Loretto’s Communications Team is proud to launch our publicly accessible necrology and cemetery database. This searchable database will provide birth and death information for deceased Loretto Community members. The database will also indicate…
Loretto builds on education tradition, facilitates unique and critical training at Loretto Motherhouse
Some of us remember the malodorous smells which sometimes drifted in our direction when the nearby Blanford family operated a pig farm. After Loretto bought the house and acreage, the structure was renovated and used as a retreat and vacation…
Loretto Magazine – Summer 2025
Read Loretto Magazine Loretto Spotlight Video – Regina Drey SL A letter from President Buffy Boesen SL You make a difference! These days as we both grieve the loss of Pope Francis and welcome Pope Leo XIV to lead us,…
A natural flyway for neotropical migratory birds
Did you ever spot a Kentucky warbler or a yellow-breasted chat? They fly freely in the Loretto Motherhouse forests. They are neotropical migratory birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Neotropical migratory birds serve as an early…
Bird song at the Loretto Motherhouse
Enjoy an auditory visit to Loretto Motherhouse! Click below to listen to this short sound recording of bird calls recorded on site. The screenshots below are from the Merlin app, created by the Cornell Ornithology department and identify the birds…
Loretto Motherhouse a bird haven
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself in which she sets her young at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Psalm 84:3 By Agnes Hoormann RSCJ One evening during…
Loretto Motherhouse Farm educates for Earth’s future
From intensively rotating cattle, to restoring native habitat, to using no-till practices and cover crops, the Loretto Motherhouse Farm strives to regenerate the soil, leaving this land healthier than we found it. Under the care of Farm Director Cody Rakes…
For the beauty of the Earth … planting trees, fostering healing
Loretto treasures the beauty of trees, in addition to the immense benefits they bestow on humanity and all life. Trees are often called the “lungs” of our planet, and planting them is one of the most beneficial actions we can…
Cedars of Peace cabin refurbished, ready for visitors
In keeping with the tradition of repurposing wood and other materials at the Loretto Motherhouse retreat centers, a recently-refurbished cabin at Cedars of Peace now boasts a stunning floor made of wood whose many knots led it to be rejected…
Loretto continues efforts to heal Earth
Loretto Motherhouse Community members and staff continually look at how to further reduce Loretto’s carbon footprint and protect Earth. Josh Ballard, Loretto Motherhouse director of operations, shares steps recently taken: To read all of the articles in the summer 2025…
Creating New Life in Old Spaces
By Angela Rakes After a long restoration, the Old Tobacco Barn at Loretto Motherhouse has has been a crucial part of bringing new life to the Motherhouse. So far it has hosted farmer field days, many meetings, tour groups, a…