Loretto

HISTORY

Discussion about the need to establish another congregation south of Pfeifer, over the Rush County line began in 1902. There were 17 Volga German Catholic families living in the area. These discussions finally came to fruition in 1912 a two-story church building was constructed.

The name of the village was changed from Illinois to Marienfeld in 1913, and a short time later, to Loretto. Loretto was named after a city near the Adriatic Sea in Italy which is home to the Santa Casa di Loreto, a shrine believed to be the home of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Also in 1913, the town was platted and lots sold to raise money for the church. By 1916, there were 60 families living in Loretto.

VOLGA GERMAN PARISH

St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church