The year was 1875. The Prussian Kulturkampf changed the experience of the faithful in Germany. Church properties were being claimed by the State, State-appointed officials were taking over dioceses, and the future of religious congregations was tenuous. A few years before, twenty of the Sisters received the Emperor’s Commemorative Medal for the nursing they provided to troops on the front line during the Franco-Prussian War. By the end of the year, the State would command the Sister’s orphanage in Olpe to close.
On February 22, 1875, eight Sisters professed final vows. A few months later, the government would forbid religious communities from accepting new members. Mother Maria Theresia lost no time. She had already received a visit from Bishop Joseph Dwenger of the Diocese of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Their connection was thanks to a priest who was a friend and supporter of the Sisters, Father Steinbusch. Arrangements were being made so that the Sisters could offer nursing care in Lafayette.
Thus it was that in the same year that Sister Clara professed final vows, she was appointed superior and bound on a ship for North America with Sisters Bonaventura, Agatha, Rosa, Augustine, and Alphonsa. The oldest Sister was 35. Three had not yet professed final vows. Some would journey to Kansas and Nebraska, but none would return to Germany.
On December 14, 1875, these six Sisters arrived in Lafayette, Indiana with no money, scant knowledge of English or American culture, and few provisions. A few weeks later, the first patient was admitted to their hospital. This year, we celebrate the legacy of these Sisters and the charism they brought to American soil. We give thanks to God for the graces we have received as a community over 150 years in the United States. And we remain before the Blessed Sacrament, imploring our Divine Bridegroom that these graces may continue to pour forth from His Sacred Heart.
~Written by Sister M. Anna Joseph