Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross

The Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross -- the Lorettines -- are the first truly indigenous congregation in the US. In Dehey's words: "More than a century has passed since the establishment in the United States of the 'first religious order founded in America, without foreign affiliation or connection'. 

The history of the congregation: 

https://www.lorettocommunity.org/about/history/motherhouse-history/

The original buildings are still in use today. 

The Lorettines were originally a teaching Order for the sake of the pioneer families who settled in the area. Marion County, KY, is supposedly named for Our Lady, as well. The county is next door to Nelson County, of which this author's hometown of Bardstown is the county seat. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, the subject of the next post, are located five miles north of the same. 

Along with Springfield in Washington County, the area is considered the Kentucky Holy Land:

https://www.kyholyland.org/

Be sure to check out the LOREtto Blog!

A feature regarding two of their schools:

https://www.lorettocommunity.org/loretto-treasures-webster-university-and-loretto-heights-college/

Lorettine vocational link:

https://www.lorettocommunity.org/join-us/sisters/