The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series is The Wheaton Franciscan Heritage from local author Jeanne Guilfoyle. The book boasts more than 200 vintage images depicting the history of the Wheaton Franciscans as a rich legacy of strong, competent women shaping health care and housing ministries in the United States.
The Wheaton Franciscans were among many Catholic sisters who came to minister in this country in response to the needs of a growing immigrant population. This influx of pioneering women dedicated to serving God and their neighbor was a major factor in the development of health care, education and other social services in the United States. This is the story of the Wheaton Franciscan sisters as they overcame misfortune and poverty in America to establish a variety of ministries, chief among them health care and housing.
Today they constitute the American province of an international congregation founded by Mother Clara Pfaender in Germany in 1860 known as the Franciscan Sisters, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. The first health care and housing ministries they founded continue to flourish as Wheaton Franciscan Services. The sisters also continue their service through their peace and justice activities as well as spiritual development ministries.
Highlights of The Wheaton Franciscan Heritage:
• During a turbulent time of establishing the American Province of the Franciscan Sisters, the fledgling community found true leadership in a 64 year old woman. Mother Bernarda went on to lead the community for ten years. By the end of her tenure, the Franciscan Sisters had transitioned to solid ground in America.
• Though the Wheaton Franciscans have been in their current location for over half a century, they are virtually unknown in their own neighborhood.
Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or
(888)-313-2665.
Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places. Have we done a book on your town? Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.
