A century of care: Loretto celebrates 100 years

On Sept. 8, 1926, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the cornerstone was laid for Loretto Rest, the first diocesan home for the aging in North America.

The vision to build a home where the elderly could live in comfort and receive comprehensive care was first conceived by the second bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, Bishop John Grimes. After years of advocacy and community support, the vision was finally fulfilled four years after Bishop Grimes’ death, during the episcopate of Bishop Daniel J. Curley.

A century later, Loretto observed its 100th anniversary on Founder’s Day, Sept. 8, outside the same building once known as Loretto Rest and now home to The Heritage Memory Life Community. The event recognized the contributions of caregivers, families, volunteers, donors, and community leaders.

Bishop Douglas J. Lucia was present to honor Loretto’s diocesan foundations and bless the original cornerstone. He also presided over a special Mass inside the chapel, bringing the history full circle exactly 100 years to the day.

Sister Maria Salerno, representing the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Neumann Communities, led the opening prayer. Franciscan sisters served as the original caretakers of the residents, helping bring Loretto’s mission to life. The sisters continue to be involved with Loretto today.

Loretto now extends far beyond a single building. As a comprehensive nonprofit health care organization, it has grown into a large continuum of care for older adults.

“When I reflect on this milestone and what it means to me as president and CEO of Loretto for the past 12 years, the word innovation keeps coming to mind,” said Dr. Kimberly Townsend, who has served in the leadership role since 2014. “It was innovative for the diocese to see a social problem and to create the first diocesan home for the aged in North America to ensure dignified care was available for all. It was innovative how Loretto played a pivotal role in the national healthcare history.

“I am deeply thankful to the diocese for setting that mission in motion 100 years ago today,” Townsend continued. “As we look at Loretto’s next century, our responsibility is not simply to preserve what was built before us, but to continue imagining what care can be and should be for generations to come. No matter how the needs of older adults change, our vision will remain constant to ensure that Loretto is always the best place to live, with purpose, wholeness, and dignity.”

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens, U.S. Rep. John Mannion, state Sen. Rachel May and state Sen. Chris Ryan also were present.

McMahon and Owens officially proclaimed Sept. 8, 2026, as Loretto Recognition Day, honoring the organization for 100 years of dedicated service to Central New York and the City of Syracuse.

More about Loretto’s 100 years of history will be featured in the next issue of SOLIS, coming out in late November.