Name/Title
Wreck of the Deutschland GravesiteEntry/Object ID
20.02.004Description
Gravesite for the Franciscan Sisters who perished on the S.S. Deutschland in December of 1875. It is located in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Leytonstone, England. This image was taken just prior to a restoration. The ship sank after it ran aground off Harwich during a heavy winter storm. Although five Sisters were on the vessel, the body of Sister Henrica (Catherine) Fassbender was never recovered. The four sisters buried at this site are Sister Barbara (Thekla) Hültenschmidt, Sister Brigitta (Elisabeth) Damhorst, Sister Norberta (Johanna) Reinkober and Sister Aurea (Josepha) Badziura. The women were traveling from the motherhouse in Salzkotten, Germany to St. Louis to lead the new American mission.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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Religion, Religious Organizations, Photos, Photographs, Pictures, DeathReproductions
Notes
Please contact the WFS Archives (archives@wfsisters.org) for further information or materials requests.