Our History


Three prophetic women answered God's call to serve the immigrant population of St. Louis in 1901. They responded to the needs of Polish immigrants for education to empower them to be responsible and contributing citizens, as well as people of faith, loyal to their Church and to their heritage.


Now, our Sisters respond to society's current needs in ministry that we might empower others. With a common heart, we commit ourselves to evangelize everyone, everywhere, everyway and to address global warming and other issues affecting our planet earth. The Canticle of St. Francis reminds us to be in right relationship with one another and with the earth. The Sisters, along with Franciscans nationally, will work to inform and affect earth issues.

 

Responding to the needs of
God's people
in 14 states and 22 dioceses in:

  • Education – elementary through university schools
  • Campus ministry and pastoral ministry in parishes
  • Pastoral care in nursing homes and hospitals
  • Native American reservations
  • Hospitals and nursing homes
  • Prisons and women's shelters and victims of abuse
  • Centers for spiritual renewal
  • Volunteer work and prayer ministry

If you would like to support the sisters in their efforts to be a Transforming Presence, click here.

Meet Our Sisters

Sr. Lorraine Therese DeFebbo

Director of Liturgy & Music Hubertus, Wisconsin "Through my work in liturgy and music, I try to help parishioners make the connections between liturgy and life. The goal of good liturgy is two-fold: to allow ourselves to be transformed by the Eucharist and also to be that transforming presence in the world."