Welcome to the historic site of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Nazareth, Kentucky. This sacred ground is a testament to the enduring spirit and commitment of women who shaped the frontier and beyond. Founded in 1812, this congregation was born out of necessity. Bishop Benedict Flaget, the first Bishop of Bardstown, was overwhelmed with the growing need for religious education among Catholic families who had migrated to Kentucky from Maryland. In response, Father John Baptist Mary David called upon young women to serve the Church and community. Among the six women who answered the call was 19-year-old Catherine Spalding from Maryland, who would become the first superior of the congregation. Despite her youth, Mother Catherine’s leadership and vision were instrumental in guiding the Sisters through their formative years.
The community followed the rule of St. Vincent de Paul, and the small settlement was named Nazareth. The Sisters’ symbol, a pelican feeding its young from its own body, embodies their dedication and selflessness. Their first major endeavor was the establishment of Nazareth Academy in 1814, marking the beginning of their education ministry. This was followed by the founding of Presentation Academy in Louisville in 1831, which began granting degrees in 1829, serving as a beacon of learning for young women.
Throughout the 19th century, the Sisters expanded their mission beyond education. In 1832, Catherine Spalding initiated their social work ministry by taking in orphans abandoned on the wharf in Louisville. A year later, during a cholera epidemic, the Sisters nursed the sick, marking the start of their health care ministry. Their compassion extended to the Civil War, where they served in military hospitals.
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have continually evolved, responding to the changing needs of society. Their ministries now span education, health care, and social services, both in the United States and internationally, in countries like India, Nepal, and Belize. Committed to peace, justice, and care for creation, they continue to live out their mission of service in the spirit of their founder, Mother Catherine Spalding.
