Have you ever heard of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago? They’re a group of women who have dedicated themselves to serving the community since 1894. We’re standing right in front of the Franciscan Sisters Convent in Chicago. It’s a place that holds a lot of history and meaning. Here, Josephine Dudzik, the foundress, started her mission to care for the needy and abandoned. She found her calling while living in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. This was a time of great hardship for many people. Josephine noticed the suffering around her and felt compelled to act. She opened her home to those in need.
Josephine realized that she needed more space to help everyone. She asked the Resurrectionist priests, who were serving at the St. Stanislaus Kostka parish, for permission to build a home. They agreed to help, but under the condition that the women took religious vows poverty, chastity, and obedience. They embraced this way of life and formed their own congregation – The Franciscan Sisters of Blessed Kunegunda. It was a ground-breaking moment. They were the first religious congregation of women established in the city of Chicago.
They built their first motherhouse right here on the site of where the convent stands today. Years later, they built another one on the same site, and it still stands today. When the Franciscan Sisters first started, their ministries included nursing and education. They took care of orphans at St. Vincent’s Orphan Asylum, which was right next door to their home for elderly people. Josephine and her Sisters were tirelessly dedicated to their charitable work. They raised funds by sewing garments, selling flowers, and even begging when necessary. They were truly committed to their mission to serve those who were less fortunate. Today, the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago continue to be a source of hope and support for the community. They’ve expanded their ministries to include healthcare, social services, and even international aid programs. Look over to that side of the convent – there’s a little garden that was originally started by Sister Mary Theresa Dudzik.