Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart

 Our History

“Sisters of mercy…joyous  and poor” – a union of the ideals of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Francis of Assisi.  This vision inspired Father Wilhelm Berger to found our religious congregation in Seelbach, Germany, in 1866.  From the very beginning, the Sisters were dedicated to the pursuit of holiness through the “works of neighborly love”.  In 1876 the “Kulturkampf” required religious to disband or find a new homeland.  So the Sisters left their beloved Germany and courageously set sail for America in 1876 where Mother Anastasia Bischler became the first General Superior.  Deep faith and trust in Divine Providence continue to be the hallmark of our Sisters answering the call to diverse ministries in Illinois, Indiana, California, West Virginia and Brazil.

Historical Highlights

                      1866   Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart were founded in Germany.

                      1876   Sisters escaped religious persecution and reestablished congregation in Avilla, IN.

                      1877   Sisters began staffing schools in Indiana and Illinois.

                      1881   Sisters began building hospitals in Illinois.

                      1883   The Motherhouse was moved to Joliet, IL.

1891   Apostolic approval was received for the Portiuncula Indulgence in all the convent chapels.

1892   The first General Chapter of the congregation was held.

1900   Ministries expanded to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.

1917   Sisters began 73 years of ministry at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein, IL.

1925   A monthly novena to the Infant of Prague for vocations was established. St. Francis Hospital,
            Santa   Barbara, was destroyed by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake except for a Sacred Heart statue
            which remained intact.

1951   Four Sisters were killed in a tragic car accident in LaSalle, IL.

1964   Motherhouse was moved to Frankfort, IL.  Missionary Sisters went to serve the poor in Belem,
             Para, Brazil.

1970   The first Mass was offered in Queen of Angles Chapel, Frankfort,

                     1987   The Associate Program began.

                     2001   125th anniversary of foundation in America was celebrated.

                     2007   Sisters pilgrimaged to Assisi to deepen their Franciscan spirituality.