Name/Title
Wheaton Franciscan AspirancyEntry/Object ID
PC.0009Description
Postcard of the Aspirancy, also known as Kara Hall (Clara Hall), in Wheaton, Illinois. Two young women (Aspirants) are speaking to a Sister near the entrance. Constructed in 1902 and first known as the Hurley House, the home was designed by architect Jarvis Hunt and was the personal residence of Edward N. Hurley Sr. The back of the postcard features a description that states "A preparatory school for girls of high school age who feel an attraction to religious life".
In 1947, the Franciscan Sisters acquired a large tract of land in Wheaton which included this structure. From approximately 1947 - 1955, it was used by the Sisters as a novitiate and saw extensive renovations in 1949. Beginning around 1956, it was home to the Our Lady of the Angels Aspirancy, and in the following decades, saw use as a coffee house, daycare, offices and more. Located in the southeast corner of the campus, the home and subsequent addition were demolished in 2009 after their condition had deteriorated.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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