Name/Title
St. Clara’s Orphanage ResidentsEntry/Object ID
70.30.148Description
Children from St. Clara's Orphanage attending a flag raising ceremony. The orphanage was located in Denver, Colorado.
In 1888, the Franciscan Sisters arrived in Denver to begin an education ministry at St. Elizabeth's School. Soon after, their efforts grew to incorporate care for working women and orphaned children. Founded in 1890, St. Clara's Orphanage was originally located at 952 10th Street. In 1909, a new building was constructed near West 29th Avenue and Osceola Street. St. Clara's operated until 1968 and the building was razed to make room for Francis Heights and Clare Gardens in the early 1970s.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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