Catherine’s Louisville

Catherine’s Louisville is a walking tour highlighting the sites of Mother Catherine’s missions and residences in Louisville, Kentucky. Based on her book, “Pioneer Spirit,” the late Mary Ellen Doyle, SCN, created this walking tour in order to inspire those interested in Mother Catherine’s life.

Though not the Cathedral that stands today back in Mother Catherine’s time, this is where Mother Catherine would have worshiped and would begin the first private school in Louisville for young women who were otherwise deprived of education all-together.

A short walk across the street from the Cathedral of the Assumption, learn of the history of Catholicism in Kentucky. View artifacts found on the sites where Mother Catherine was in ministry.

A wonderful sculpture devoted to the memory of Mother Catherine was erected through an initiative of students of the school she founded. The statue depicts her walking with orphans she would have met at the wharf.

The site of the first St. Joseph Infirmary, a new ministry in 1852, it was to meet the demand of the needs of a growing city. It become the premiere hospital in Louisville with some of the best doctors and Sister nurses caring for people of all income levels.

As riverboats arrived on the Ohio River, large numbers of people reached Louisville. This is where Mother Catherine met families in distress and in need, especially orphaned children.

In 1854 the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth opened the “poor school” of St. Patrick Free School to serve poor families of immigrants in the west end of Louisville.

In the east part of Louisville stood the site of the orphanage and the first infirmary in which Mother Catherine led the way in healthcare and social services for the city. This was the place where Mother Catherine ministered most and the place where she would pass on to her heavenly home.

Sister Catherine Spalding has inspired countless acts of charity and a transformative presence across the globe. As long as the spirit, the caring purpose, the devotion, and spirituality live on in the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Mother Catherine lives.

Sister Catherine Spalding would have been very grateful for followers like you to have accompanied her on the walking tour based on her missions and residences.

Continue to support her mission by donating either time, supplies, or money via the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth website.