Bishops celebrate bicentennial with Sisters of Loretto

Bishop Charles Thompson of the Diocese of Evansville chats with Sr. Lupe Arciniega following Mass.

Bishop William Medley of the Diocese of Owensboro speaks about the 200-year history of the Sisters of Loretto during a Mass Sunday at St. Francis of Assisi.

Two Roman Catholic bishops, both Marion County natives, celebrated a Mass on Sept. 23 at St. Francis of Assisi Church as part of the ongoing bicentennial celebration for the Sisters of Loretto.
Bishop William Medley of the Diocese of Owensboro and Bishop Charles Thompson of the Diocese of Evansville returned to their home county to hold a Mass in honor of the sisters. The Sisters of Loretto were founded in 1812 at St. Charles Church in Marion County.
During his homily, Medley spoke about the extravagance of the Gospel, which he clarified is manifest in God’s generosity toward others. He cited the stories of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and turning gallons of water into wine during the wedding at Cana as example.
He added that the Sisters of Loretto brought education to the frontier of Kentucky, and they have grown to minister to people all over the world.
“They have modeled the extravagance of the Gospel,” Medley said.