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Sisters of Loretto Motherhouse…
Founded on the Kentucky frontier in 1812, the first sisters dedicated their lives to God as religious women and educated poor children of the area. They derived strength from communal living and prayer. From Hardin's Creek, the Loretto commitment to education spread to 16 states and on to China, Bolivia, Chile, Peru and Africa. The Sisters of Loretto Motherhouse is rich in tradition and is the foundation of one of the oldest religious communities of women in the United States. The first sisters called themselves Friends of Mary. They later took the name Sisters of Loretto. Today the name Loretto Community incorporates the two types of membership – sisters who make public profession of vows and co-members who affiliate with the spirit and mission of the community. The Sisters of Loretto Motherhouse is a working farm and place of extraordinary natural beauty and historical buildings. It is the residence of active and retired members but visitors are welcomed daily. The Sisters of Loretto Motherhouse also hosts free high-quality performing arts programs throughout the year.
For even more information, call 270.865.5811 or visit www.lorettocommunity.org/history.html.
Directions…
►From Centre Square, drive one block north on KY 55/Spalding Ave. to light (Gen. Thomas statue). ►Turn left onto KY 55 and drive to next light (Papa John’s). ►Turn right onto KY 49/52 and continue to end (9.2 miles) then turn left onto KY 49/52 continuation. ►Drive .5 miles and turn right onto KY 49 continuation. ►Drive 1.2 miles and bear right onto KY 152. Drive .6 miles and turn left to enter the Sisters of Loretto Motherhouse campus.
A special place with special places!
♥ Cedars of Peace – Cedars of Peace is a cluster of secluded cabins on the property. Cedars of Peace welcomes guest for long or short term stays. The surrounding woods gently invite personal prayer, study and creative work while the proximity of others who are similarly engaged nurtures a sense of quiet and sustaining community. For reservations and more information, call Karen Knoll at 270.865.5291 or e-mail cedarsofpeace@yahoo.com. ♥ Knobs Haven: Knobs Haven a place of hospitality for persons seeking space for solitude and prayer, for quiet reflection and conversation. Knobs Haven is located in the heart of Kentucky's knob country on the grounds. Knobs Haven was set aside in 1973 by the Sisters of Loretto to provide space and a quiet setting for retreat and spiritual renewal. For reservations and more information, call Jo Ann Gates at 270.865.2621 or e-mail knobshaven@yahoo.com. ♥ AIDS Garden – Begun in 1995, the garden is a memorial to persons who have died of AIDS. It is both a tribute and a reminder to work for justice and act for peace in any circumstances. It is a place of compassion, peace, and beauty. The garden is located on a shady slope adjacent to the cemetery. At the entrance is a collection of boulders, one of which bears this inscription “This garden is dedicated to those who have died of AIDS,” followed by this passage from Thigh Nhat Hahn: “Out of your smile will bloom a flower and those who love you will behold you across ten thousand worlds of birth and dying.” The garden's various boulders have plaques inscribed with the names of those whose ashes are buried in the garden. The garden is planted with perennials and trees native to the area. The boulders were pulled from creek beds in the region, and stone benches provide a place for quiet meditation. Those interested in knowing more about the AIDS Garden or who are interested in making a donation toward its upkeep can e-mail squeedenny@aol.com or write to AIDS Memorial Garden, 515 Nerinx Road, Nerinx KY 40049.
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