Immaculate Conception Parish

Immaculate Conception Parish: JPEG
Immaculate Conception Parish

JPEG

Name/Title

Immaculate Conception Parish

Entry/Object ID

70.20.067

Description

Immaculate Conception Parish located in Maxville, Missouri (site of present-day Arnold, Missouri). Father Henry Brockhagen, who accompanied the first Franciscan Sisters from Germany to the United States, was pastor of this parish from 1859 - 1876. In addition, Franciscan Sisters taught at the parish school from 1875 - 1877 and from 1883 - 1889. In the center of the photo are two unidentified Franciscan Sisters from Salzkotten.

Context

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. There, they gained increased autonomy when America became a province in 1884, and by the early 20th Century, their health and education ministries included locations in Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Colorado. Looking to relocate, in 1947 land was purchased in Wheaton, Illinois and a new motherhouse was completed in 1955. As time passed, the Sisters continued to develop their healthcare ministry and addressed pressing 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 healthcare and housing 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.

Made/Created

Date made

circa 1875

Lexicon

Search Terms

Religion, Religious Organizations, Historic Sites, Photos, Photographs, Pictures, People

Reproductions

Notes

Please contact the WFS Archives (archives@wfsisters.org) for further information or materials requests.