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.

Changing the Narrative: Sister Marilyn Spink’s Call for Inclusivity in Health Care
#LikeACatholicSister: As Catholic Sisters Week begins, we honor the life and work of Sister Marilyn Spink, SCN, whose commitment to health care and social justice highlights the significant contributions Catholic Sisters have made — and continue to make — in society. Sister Marilyn’s advocacy, especially for individuals living with HIV/AIDS during a time of fear and discrimination, serves as a reminder of the vital role Catholic Sisters play in addressing society’s most pressing needs with compassion.

New Archival Center Exhibit
Next month, St. John Center is set to open Sheehan Landing, an affordable housing complex designed specifically with the goal of helping the unhoused find homes and keep them. In recognition of this incredible and important project, the Archival Center at Nazareth has curated an exhibit featuring Sheehan Landing’s namesake, Sister Mary Kathleen Sheehan, who was director of St. John Center for twenty-two years. Stop by the Archival Center to learn more!

St. Gregory School Celebrates 100 Years
St. Gregory School in Samuels, Kentucky, recently celebrated a milestone: 100 years of faith-filled education. As administrators plan a campus expansion to meet the needs of a growing community, the school reflects on its humble beginnings and the pivotal role the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth played in its foundation.

WATCH: Lunch & Learn Looks at Nazareth’s History with Enslaved
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, a Lunch & Learn event organized by the Heritage Center invited campus staff to delve into the lives and contributions of the enslaved people who were once a part of Nazareth’s history. Presented by Archivist Veronica Priest and Heritage Hall Coordinator Michael Smith, the discussion reviewed archival records, letters, and accounts that revealed a complex yet important chapter of the Congregation’s past.

Discovering the SCN Archival Center: A Treasure Trove of History
History of the Archives The SCN Archival Center was established to collect, preserve, and make accessible the historical records of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Its mission is to remember the past and inspire the future, with the majority of the collection...

Architect of St. Vincent Church Highlighted in Presentation
Steve Wiser, FAIA, delivered an engaging presentation this week about the architectural legacy of the Keely brothers, William and Patrick, who left a legacy on Catholic church architecture in the United States. This legacy included work on St. Vincent de Paul Church in Nazareth, Kentucky.

WATCH: Lunch & Learn Explores History of Nazareth’s Water Supply
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, a Lunch & Learn event organized by the Heritage Center invited campus staff to delve into the history of the Nazareth Water Supply. This session focused on the evolution of the water supply on the campus and the role it played in sustaining the Community over the past two centuries.

SCN Archival Center’s Newest Exhibit: Down on the Farm
The SCN Archival Center welcomes all to view our latest exhibit “Down on the Farm,” showcasing Nazareth’s historic farm. In 1822, when the Sisters moved to the current Nazareth Campus, the farm was around 237 acres. In 1923, it grew to 1100 acres with 600 acres of...

Sister Gracy Thombrakudy: A Profile
As I continue my journey as an SCN, I am filled with hope and a renewed commitment to fulfilling my life’s mission. May God’s will be done in my life.

Sister Lucy Puthukkatt: A Profile
I celebrate the Golden Jubilee of my first profession this year, so reminiscing through my life is a journey of faith and gratitude. I thank God for whatever has been, look forward to whatever may happen in the future with faith and confidence, and live in the present trusting in the Providence of God for my life, for the meaningful ministries I have served and for God’s abundant blessings in my life.

Sister Stella Chullyil: A Profile
I am reminded of the following words often: “Everything that happened before was good, everything that is happening also is good and everything that will happen also will be good.”

Sister Elsy Vettickal: A Profile
This year, 2024, I celebrate the golden jubilee of my first profession as a Sister of Charity of Nazareth. At this juncture, I look back with gratitude and praise for God’s faithfulness towards me during my life.

Sister Sheela Palamoottil: A Profile
It gives me immense joy and a sense of satisfaction as I look back over the years to know that I could empower the weak, marginalized, deprived sections of our society to bring the kingdom values of peace, and justice and harmony.

Sister Sarita Manavalan: A Profile
I am a happy SCN and share my joy with all as I write this story of my life.

109-year-old Sister Evelyn Hurley reflects on her South Boston upbringing, ministry
When Sister of Charity of Nazareth Evelyn Hurley was born in South Boston on March 7, 1915, Woodrow Wilson had been president of the United States for four days. Benedict XV was pope. World War I had been raging in Europe for less than a year. Women in Massachusetts were not allowed to vote in most elections.