About Us -- Our History 

For over 85 years, the Generalate (and now both the Generalate and the USA Province) of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God has been located in Whitehall, Pennsylvania—a suburb of Pittsburgh. In the traditions of St. Francis, we answer God’s call throughout our USA and Brazil Provinces. This call includes providing services such as parish and prison ministry, food service, teaching and school administration, daycare, elder care and healthcare as well as other social services to those who are poor, oppressed and otherwise marginalized.

In the latter part of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th Centuries, it was quite common for immigrants in the USA to live, work, go to church and educate their children in the same community—sharing their common religion, heritage and language. In Pittsburgh, the Lithuanian immigrants saw the need for schools to educate their children but there were no Lithuanian congregations of religious woman in the area to serve in these schools.

In 1922, twenty-six Sisters of Lithuanian heritage left Chicago and arrived in Pittsburgh and were accepted by the Franciscan Sisters of Millvale.

These Sisters then founded their own congregation—first in St. Casimir Parish in the South Side of Pittsburgh then, in 1925, building our Motherhouse on 33 acres in what is now Whitehall. While St. Casimir’s Parish and schools are gone, the alumni still work closely with us and get together regularly. For more information about St. Casimir’s Alumni Association call (412) 881-0539.

While many Sisters have some Lithuanian Heritage, and some continue to work in communities with strong Lithuania ties, nowadays, it is just as likely for a Sister to speak Spanish or Portuguese  or another second language.

The plea for peace is a distinguishing Franciscan characteristic. As partners in the International Peace Site Program, we promote non-violent conflict resolution, decent, healthy standards of living for all and a healthy ecosystem. We monitor the use of corporate power; advocate for economic justice; dialogue with elected representatives about pending legislation; and collaborate in peacemaking initiatives. In 1990, our USA Motherhouse property was dedicated as a Peace Site.

For more information aboutthe Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God:

USA Province: (412) 885-7232

Brazil Province: (412) 885-7211 or 011-55-11-3742-0039 (Brazil)

e-mail: info@osfprov.org

Giving Opportunities

Copyright 2008
Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God