The Felician Sisters’ ministry in North America began with five sisters.
Founded on November 21, 1855, the Felician Sisters’ community in Poland continued to grow, attracting more women to follow God’s call to a life of simplicity, prayer and service to all in need.
Fr. Joseph Dabrowski, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Polonia, WI wrote to Foundress Mother Mary Angela to request help educating the children of Polish immigrants. With the blessing of Mother Angela, five Felician Sisters traveled for 28 days, from Krakow, Poland to the small farming village of Polonia, arriving on November 21, 1874.
At the schoolhouse in Wisconsin, the Felician Sisters began to educate the children. They published Polish textbooks to support the education of immigrant children. They also ministered to indigenous people in the area.
Inspired by the sisters, young women began to join them, and soon convents were established in Wisconsin and Michigan. By the early 20th century, the Felician Sisters had a significant presence across much of the United States. They established a presence in Canada as well, and eventually formed eight distinct provinces in North America.
Founding Our Lady of Hope Province
On November 21, 2009, our Felician Sisters made the bold choice to unite the eight provinces into one, forming Our Lady of Hope Province. With vibrant ministries throughout North America, including a mission in Haiti, we continue to follow Blessed Mary Angela’s call to “serve where you are needed,” upholding five core values of ministry: respect for human dignity, compassion, transformation, solidarity, and justice and peace.
Our provincial headquarters are located in Beaver Falls, PA in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Our Lady of Hope was formed from eight former provinces:
Buffalo, NY
Chicago, IL
Coraopolis, PA
Enfield, CT
Livonia, MI
Lodi, NJ
Mississauga, ON
Rio Rancho, NM
