From August 8–23, 22 Sisters around the world are embarking on a pilgrimage on American soil, following in the footsteps of Blessed Frances Siedliska, our Foundress. Their journey began in Chicago, where Blessed Frances first arrived in July 1885 to establish a home for the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
Throughout the pilgrimage, the sisters are invited to walk in the footsteps of Mother Foundress and rediscover the faith, courage, and love that shaped the Congregation’s early history in the United States.
Giving Thanks in Chicago
The pilgrimage began with many reasons to give thanks. The Sisters celebrated Mass at St. Emily, where the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth have served for more than 60 years. After Mass, the pilgrim Sisters enjoyed an American Thanksgiving dinner before continuing their journey with visits to Holy Family Hospital and the Novitiate home.
As they traveled from place to place, the sisters were reminded of the Congregation’s deep roots in the United States and of the many Sisters who have faithfully carried forward the mission entrusted to them.
The pilgrimage continued with a visit to St. Josaphat's, the parish where Mother Foundress first arrived with 11 Sisters on July 6, 1885. It was an opportunity for the pilgrims to reflect on the prayers, sacrifices, and courage of those first Sisters as they planted the seeds of the Congregation’s mission in America. Their journey was undoubtedly challenging, but it was also a labor of love that brought them great joy.
The pilgrims’ next stop was St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital. What began as a simple 24-bed hospital in 1894 has grown into a hospital with 350+ beds. The sisters and staff were delighted to meet and to reflect on the countless lives touched by this ministry over the years. For the pilgrim sisters, these visits have offered more than a look into the past. They have provided opportunities to encounter the sisters serving today and to experience firsthand the continuing legacy of Mother Foundress.
Inspired by Mother Foundress
Sr. Franciszka Tumanevych of Ukraine, who has been in the community for 30 years, shared how deeply she has been inspired by Blessed Frances Siedliska's courage.
“I am always amazed by how brave Mother Foundress was. She was willing to embrace different cultures, adapt to change, and courageously send 11 Sisters to the United States. For me, she was a truly brave woman, and her example continues to inspire us to be brave and embrace new challenges.”
Sister Daniela, originally from Krakow, Poland, has been ministering in Ghana for nine years and has been a member of the community for 20 years. She spoke about the joy of meeting the sisters who continue the mission in the United States.
“I am deeply touched by meeting the sisters here. Mother Foundress valued every encounter and celebrated the opportunity to meet and get to know each sister. For her, these meetings were an important work of God. I have truly enjoyed getting to know the sisters and experiencing their warm hospitality, which has made us feel at home.”
The pilgrimage will continue from Chicago to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York. Along the way, the sisters will visit Duquesne University, St. Adalbert, Holy Family Institute, Feast of the Assumption, and Liberty State Park and Ellis Island, among other significant places connected to the sisters’ history and mission in the United States.
As the pilgrimage continues, the sisters pray that each step will draw them more deeply into the spirit of Nazareth and into the love that dwelt in the Holy Family’s home.
May Blessed Frances Siedliska, our Mother Foundress, continue to walk with them every step of the way.
