Name/Title
Mercy HospitalEntry/Object ID
PC.0118Description
Postcard of Mercy Hospital located on 8th Avenue Southeast in Oelwein, Iowa.
Opened in 1926, Mercy Hospital was founded in Oelwein, Iowa by the Sisters of Mercy. In early 1982, sponsorship was transferred to the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters. By 2016, the hospital has become part of Mercy Health Network.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
Search Terms
Religion, Religious Organizations, Historic Sites, Health, Medical, Photos, Photographs, PicturesPostcard Details
Date Published
circa 1980Photographer
Bardach, EarlReproductions
Notes
Please contact the WFS Archives (archives@wfsisters.org) for further information or materials requests.