Name/Title
House of ProvidenceEntry/Object ID
70.03.011Description
Three Sisters in front of the House of Providence located at 1121 North Orleans Street in Chicago, Illinois. From left to right are Sister Augusta (Odilia) Georger, Sister Marian (Maurice) Keeven and Sister Evalyn (Elvira) Moore. Seward Park is visible in the background.
Opened in September of 1882, the House of Providence was founded as a residence for young working women. Due to an overwhelming number of applicants, the structure was doubled in size a decade later. The successful ministry continued until the building was sold to Daniel O'Brien and renamed Margaret Manor in 1962. Later, the location was home to MADO Healthcare.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.Lexicon
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Notes
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