Mother M. Praxedes Carty - 1933

Mother M. Praxedes Carty - 1933 Mother Praxedes - Superior General 1896 - 1922. Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross - Died December 16, 1933, El Paso, Texas. In 1915 Mother Praxedes, while serving as Mother General of the Order, realized that space was limited at St. Joseph's Academy and she began searching for a larger site. With few assets at her disposal, she found a deserted plot of land beyond the city limits, but it was criticized as being too far out. There was no street car, no means of transportation to reach it! People delighted in calling the project "Praxedes' Folly". She persevered, consulted with Joseph Morgan, a contractor and with the architect Henry Trost who was entrusted with drawing the plans for the building. The design was very much influenced by her vision and preference based upon architecture she'd seen during a visit to Tasco, Mexico. She also insisted that the buildings face south in a welcoming gesture to encompass both Texas and Mexico to reflect the bond she envisioned between the two countries. It is said by some that the structure itself is a symbol of arms outstretched to El Paso and Mexico.