Sister of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross

Sister of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross –  Sister Marie Lorette of St. Joseph, S.L.                                          She works for justice and acts for peace because the Gospel urges her.                      “O, Suffering Jesus!  O, Sorrowful Mary!  For the love of You and the good of my neighbors”

Founders:  Reverend Charles Nerinckx   (“The Apostle of Kentucky” and “Buegrass Belgian”)                         Mary Rhodes, Ann Havern, and Christina Stuart   (*first postulants*)

Place:  Nerinx, Kentucky

Year:  1812 A.D.

Her Charism:  With the same pioneer spirit that inspired and guided her founder, this Sister who was the first purely American gem, walks with the original “Friends of Mary” (Mary, Ann, and Christina) who followed Father Nerinckx in a vowed life of praise, prayer, and service.  The original name of the Order, Friends of Mary at the Foot of the Cross of Jesus, endows her with their charism of “bringing the healing spirit of God into the world” and loving service through identification with the suffering of the world: the poor, the homeless, and those who suffer from injustice, oppression, and deprivation of dignity.  While teaching has always been her main apostolate, her strong fearless spirit continues today as it leads her to work in modern day ministries, allowing her to shine the Light of Christ on His children.