Our history dates back to 1894 when Josephine Dudzik (later known as Mother Mary Theresa) a Polish immigrant, established a religious congregation of women known as Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.
Mother Mary Theresa came to Chicago and was moved to action by the great need she saw among the city’s aged, infirm and poor. Through her tireless efforts, the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago founded St. Joseph Home of Chicago in 1898, the first Catholic nursing home in Chicago.
Today, Franciscan Ministries Sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, continues Mother Mary Theresa’s mission to serve those in need by providing high-quality senior living communities, post-acute services, including home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitative care, hospice care and child care. As well as a foundation for educating young women and a family violence prevention center and shelter.
Over the years, our organization has cared for generations of families as an extension of the ministries of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik, and our work continues our proud tradition of caring. Every associate understands this mission and lives by it day in and day out.