We are teachers, principals, librarians, pastoral associates, directors of religious education, administrators of personal care homes, social ministers, senior-citizen companions, nurses, liturgists, and diocesan directors of education and formation ... to name just a few of our ministries. Francis concluded a landmark year in 2013 celebrating the 100th Anniversary of their presence in the United
States. Following is a brief history from the congregation’s Chronicles. Shortly after the turn of the 20th Century, the increasing immigration of people from Europe to North America left American pastors pleading for help from the Church in Europe. The immigrants craved spiritual growth and help in adjusting to a new country and language. Their children needed religious education and schooling. It was for these reasons that in 1911 Mother M. Hyacinth Zahalka came from Bohemia to the United States in response to a request from an American bishop. After Mother Hyacinth’s death in 1912, Mother M. Xavier Furgott sent six sisters to Pittsburgh, Pa., to respond to the “needs of the time.” Despite many difficulties, these “Pioneer Sisters” began their ministry of education among people of Eastern European heritage here in America, with their work expanding to many places in the United States. The present Provincial House, Mount Assisi Convent, was completed in Pittsburgh in 1928. Here the Sisters opened an elementary school for boys and girls and a high school for girls. The community continued to flourish. In 1957, another Provincial House, Monocacy Manor, was established in Bethlehem, Pa., and the early 1960s saw the opening of St. Francis Academy for girls in Bethlehem, Pa., and in San Antonio, Texas. Besides the U.S., in subsequent years, our sisters ministered in the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Rome, South America, South Africa, South India and Central Asia. In 2007, the former Pittsburgh and Bethlehem provinces joined to become the United State Province. Following in the footsteps of St. Francis, the School Sisters of St. Francis continue to embrace the journey begun many years ago.
