Our History

Welcome to our site dedicated to honoring this momentous occasion, where you can learn more about the rich history of the Hospital Sisters, our individual hospitals and the colleagues who continue to deliver care in communities across Illinois.  

In 1875, 20 Hospital Sisters of St. Francis arrived in the United States from Germany. These first Sisters were organized into small groups and brought health care services to the people of Litchfield, Springfield, Effingham, Belleville, Alton and East St. Louis.  

And thus, their Mission began - To reveal and embody Christ's healing love for all people through our high-quality Franciscan health care ministry. It is the same Mission the colleagues of Hospital Sisters Health System live today. 

To the founding Hospital Sisters, and patients, colleagues, medical staff, volunteers, Board members, donors and community partners – past, present, and future – thank you. We are overflowing with gratitude for your support and efforts in making us who we are today, and we look forward to continuing to serve the health care needs of our communities for many more years to come! 

On July 2, 1844, a Franciscan priest, Father Christopher Bernsmeyer, witnessed the religious commitment of women in Our Lady of Grace Chapel in Telgte, a village outside the city of Muenster, Westphalia, Germany.

This marked the foundation of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, a religious community dedicated to the service of the sick and those in need.

The Community grew rapidly and in the early years provided assistance to the sick in Westphalia and Silesia. The Sisters were quick to respond to health crises whenever they were called. Accepting the invitation of Bishop Peter Joseph Baltes of Alton, Illinois, 20 Sisters arrived in the United States on November 3, 1875. They established their Motherhouse in Springfield, Illinois and began their ministry by nursing the sick and poor in their homes.