Name/Title
St. Francis Hospital GrottoEntry/Object ID
PC.0031Description
Postcard featuring the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto near St. Francis Hospital located at 1360 Independence Avenue in Waterloo, Iowa. The back contains a message discussing the grotto and Sister Maria (Davina) Pietz.
In 1907, Father J.H. Forkenbrook contacted the Franciscan Sisters regarding the need for a new hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. After years of preparation, St. Francis opened its doors on Independence Avenue in 1912. That facility served the community until 1967 when a new location on 9th Street, now known as MercyOne Waterloo, was constructed. In 2016, the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters transferred sponsorship of the hospital to 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
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Religion, Religious Organizations, Photos, Photographs, Pictures, Historic Sites, Outdoors, Gardens and Yards, Landscape, Health, MedicalReproductions
Notes
Please contact the WFS Archives (archives@wfsisters.org) for further information or materials requests.