CHARITY THROUGH TIME
A blog from the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Heritage Center, dedicated to sharing the rich history and legacy of the SCNs.
Recorded Presentations
Hear from the Archivists and the Heritage Center as they touch on different topics around the SCN history.
Historic Photos
COMING SOON: View a gallery of photos that showcase the Sisters over the last 200 years.
Marie Menard Stories
Read profiles on the Sisters with interviews conducted as part of the Marie Menard Committee project.
Spooky Nazareth
SCN Heritage Center staff presented “The ‘Ghosts’ of Nazareth” for employees at Nazareth during a recent Lunch & Learn session. The presentation included history on former buildings, structures, and even forgotten spaces on the Nazareth Campus.
Sister Joan Wilson: A Profile
Over and over Joan said to me that in her large family she learned to share. It is no surprise, then, that her life would be one of service, of finding ways to care for others…
Sister Betty Blandford: A Profile
“I have had a wonderful life”. With these words of gratitude Sister Betty Blandford shares her amazing life story, beginning in Louisville’s West End and extending more than 60 years of service fulfilling the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth…
Sister Trudy Foster: A Profile
While unpacking her trunk at the convent of St. Bridgid, Trudy discovered that her novice friends did indeed help her pack as she found feathers strewn throughout in honor of her angelic religious name, Frances Gabriel. There were a few holy water bottles sprinkled in as well. They were a welcome sight in her new surroundings, and invoked many warm memories…
Remembering Sister Michaella Cronin
As I reflect on my years as a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, my greatest joy in life has been helping the poor and visiting the homebound. For me, this is the work that helps me bring God’s presence to others here on earth.
New Archival Center Exhibit: Celebrating SCN Ministry in Belize
Stop by the Archival Center to see the newly installed exhibit on 50 years of SCN ministry in Belize!
Sister Sangeeta Ayithamattam: A Profile
I love my ministry. It is where I strive to live out my convictions, hopes and ideals for deepening our SCN life and mission.
Blood and Bone: A Look into the Archival Center Relics Collection
Those raised in the Catholic tradition may be familiar with the centuries-old practice of keeping and preserving the bodies or possessions of saints, commonly known as relics. Some may have heard of famous relics such as the Shroud of Turin or the True Cross, or might...
Heritage Center Appraisal
It has been a busy week for the Heritage Center as we tackled the on-site portion of our collections appraisal by Hindman Appraisals. This assessment of our Heritage Hall and Archival Center collections, as well as certain artworks around the Nazareth campus will help ensure that we are taking the best possible care of these incredible collections.
The Sacred Art of Mail: A Brief History of the Nazareth Post Office
“Mail is sacred. In handling mail one is handling the personal joys and sorrows of others.” – The History of the Nazareth Post Office by Sister Jovita Smith The first post office was opened in colonial North America in 1639; however, what we now know as the United...
Cats & Computers: Vincent Tehan, SCN
Cats and computers were two of Sister Vincent Tehan’s favorite things.
‘American Mother:’ Sister Margaret Gertrude’s Legacy in Global Education
#LikeACatholicSister: As Catholic Sisters Week invites us to reflect on the contributions of women religious, we honor the life and mission of Sister Margaret Gertrude Murphy, SCN. A trailblazer in education and a champion for international students, her work at Nazareth College shaped generations of learners.
Sister Mary Stephen Durbin – a kind hearted leader
Catholic Sisters Week: Sister Mary Stephen Durbin
WATCH: Lunch & Learn Looks at the Routine of Sisters in the 1940s
Life in a religious community is shaped by discipline, devotion, and daily tasks. Rooted in prayer and service, the day followed a structured schedule that reflected the commitment of the Sisters to their vocation. Drawing from historical sources, Heritage Center Director Kelly McDaniels and Archivist Veronica Priest explored a day in the life of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (SCNs) and the Vincentian Sisters of Charity (VSCs) in the early 1940s. This was the topic of the most recent Lunch & Learn series presented by the SCN Heritage Center.
Standing Up: How Sister Carol Anne Messina Embodied Christ’s Call to Serve and Love
#LikeACatholicSister: During Catholic Sisters Week, March 8-14, 2025, we honor women religious and recognize the countless ways Sisters have shaped communities through prayer, ministry, and acts of compassion. From labor injustices to the silent suffering of the poor, Catholic Sisters have stood at the forefront, embodying Christ’s call to serve the most vulnerable.