Sisters of Loretto

We brought installations of the project to the Kentucky Holyland.

Here is an excerpt from the program: 

We welcome everyone to the Loretto Church, a place of wounding for the enslaved who built it in 1861-63, a place of wounding for those women and men who worshiped here while held in bondage by the sisters of Loretto Motherhouse.

We have learned about the enslavement that took place at Loretto and invite everyone to open ourselves to know and accept what we have done and been, open ourselves to deepen our relationships with those wounded by our deeds, and open ourselves to learn with them what we can be and do as part of the healing.

As you ponder this place of wounding, what is your resolve? Will you pray for those who came before us on these grounds? Will you learn the stories and honor the work of those who toiled here without freedom or recognition? Will you support Loretto’s efforts to reach out to know the descendants of those we enslaved? Will you welcome these descendants and help restore to them the stories of their ancestors? Will you seek ways to join in their present concerns to the extent you are able? May you be faithful to these resolves in the name of all Loretto.