Wheaton Franciscan Sisters Archives

Born in Germany in 1827, Mother Clara Pfaender founded the Franciscan Sisters, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, in 1860. With a focus on education, nursing, and care for orphaned children, the women reached out to those in need. In the following years, Sisters were sent to nations such as France, the Netherlands, and the United States. America became a province in 1884, and by the early 20th Century, the Sister's health and education ministries included locations in Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Colorado. Looking to relocate from St. Louis, in 1947 land was purchased in Wheaton and a new motherhouse was completed in 1955. In the following decades, the Sisters continued to develop their healthcare ministry and addressed pressing social issues such as Polio, Aids, and affordable housing. During the early 21st Century, they celebrated the 150th anniversary of the congregation and found new sponsorships for their ministries. Today, the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters continue to follow in the spirit of Mother Clara Pfaender by responding to the needs of the Church and our times.