SYLVANIA—The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania celebrated the 95th anniversary of the founding of the congregation Dec. 8.

The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania celebrated their 95th anniversary Dec. 8. Today, the sisters minister in 11 states and Haiti in education, social work, health and human services, religious, parish and spiritual direction. From left, Sisters Patricia Simpson, Cabrini Warpeha, Geraldine Paluszak, Juliana Sienko, Rosalma Kmiec, La Donna Pinkelman, Margaret Metro, Marie Andree Chorzempa, Eleanore Furman (seated), and Rebecca La Point gather around a mural of the Blessed Mother Mary. (Photo courtesy of Sylvania Franciscans)

Responding to a request in 1916 from then Toledo Bishop Joseph Schrembs, the Rochester Franciscans from Minnesota sent 23 sisters to teach Polish immigrants in three Catholic schools in the city. In 1917, the sisters purchased 89 acres in Sylvania, where they established their motherhouse. Today, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania serve in 11 states and the island country of Haiti ministering in education, social work, health and human services, religious, parish and spiritual direction.

“What a blessing and grace it has been, and continues to be, for us to minister to God’s people here in Northwest Ohio,” says Sister Diana Lynn Eckel, congregational minister. “We have worked in collaboration as sponsors for 27 years with Sylvania Franciscan Health and for 53 years with Lourdes University. Efforts to enhance this collaboration in order to meet the needs in education, health and spirituality existing in today’s ever-changing world are developing through the newly-established Sylvania Franciscan Village.”

In honor of the anniversary, more than 100 sisters from the local area gathered at Rosary Care Center in the Franciscan Village to celebrate and then attended Mass in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel to give thanks for the past and reflect upon the future.