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South of Bardstown in the heart of Kentucky, high on one of the knobs in the terrain is the Motherhouse complex of the Sisters of Loretto. The property is often referred to as "St. Stephen's Farm" the name given it by its original owner, Father Theodore Badin, the proto-priest (i.e., the first priest ordained in the United States.) |
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The Lorettos had been founded in 1812 and, under Father Nerinckx's direction, had developed a log cabin complex in St. Charles, KY. This "Little Loretto" was dear to their hearts as the center from which their Society had sprung. Bishop Flaget gave the farm to the Sisters of Loretto in 1821 in exchange for the Mount St. Mary, the site Father Nerinckx had planned to use for a society of brothers. Then in1824, just weeks after Father Nerinckx went into exile in Missouri, their new director, Father Chabrat, required them to move their central operations a few miles over to St. Stephen's Farm. But first, the sisters burned "Little Loretto " in order to avoid its desecration. Father Badin's brick house still stands on the farm he worked and it is currently home to one of the sisters. |
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The long neglected farm was in a poor condition with buildings in disrepair. There were not enough accomodations for all of the nuns and their pupils. But the same vigorous spirit that had raised Little Loretto helped to make wonderful changes in just ten years. Fences were built, ground was tilled, and foundations were laid. The postulants and novices worked to make bricks and carry them to the builders constructing sidewalks to bind it all together. In 1834 the Loretto Academy building was opened. It faced the Bardstown Pike and served as a boarding school for girls until 1888, when it became the novitiate building. The building is now called "Rhodes Hall" and houses the studio / gallery of Jeanne Dueber SL. |
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The Church of the Seven Dolors and the convent were built between 1860 and 1863. The Church was renovated in 1980. The resulting acoustic perfection has made it a desirable venue for spiritually-inspring musical performances. Within the church complex are objects greatly treasured the Lorettos. There is an 1807 carved statue of the Blessed Mother that was a particular favorite of Father Nerinckx. The tabernacle, sanctuary light, brass corpus,and the Pieta oil painting by Pierre Joseph Goedts are all remnants of the hundreds of art objects that Father Nerinckx acquired in his journeys to Europe. He believed that his rustic pioneer churches and schools needed to be graced with some things of beauty. |
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Loretto Academy moved into larger space built in 1888. When the school closed in 1918, the building became the Novitiate for the order. Today it houses the museum, retreat facilities, and offices. |
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In 1911 the Seven Dolor Stations were erected to line the path to the cemetery where statuary had been raised above the graves of the Founders. Other statuary, both traditional and modern, adorn the grounds. |
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