Our History

Our congregation was started by Maria Hueber, a courageous woman from Brixen in South Tyrol (1653-1705) and her spiritual advisor, Fr. Isidor Kirnigl OFM.

On 12 September 1700, Maria Hueber and Regina Pfurner started educating poor girls in the Runggad in Brixen, a small town in the mountains of the South Tyrol region in present-day Northern Italy.

They encountered great difficulties and hostility. They had no support from the official educational system. Fortunately, the initiative was supported by Prince Bishop Kaspar Ignaz Graf Künigl and officially recognized at the same time with the existing boys’ school.

Maria and Regina lived in the Vesammlungshaus, or assembly house, under the supervision of Father Johannes Evangelist Aichberger, OFM, and Father Isidor Kirnigl, OFM. Gradually other women, who had the same objectives, joined these two women and started our Congregation which was confirmed in 1703.

1700

The beginning

Maria Hueber and Regina Pfurner introduce girls education and begin community life in Brixen.

1700

1712

A second community

A similar independent community is started in Bolzano, a larger city about 40 km south of Brixen.

1712

1723

Taking root

Another similar community is started in Kaltern, a village in South Tyrol. Gradually, communities are opened all over the region.

1723

1724

Recognition

The congregation of the Tertiary Sisters of Saint Francis are officially recognised. The three foundations acquired the title of “motherhouse”.

1724

1924

First Mission to South America

The first sisters from Kaltern go on mission to Bolivia.

1924

1929

Merger

The four independent foundations in Brixen, Bozen, Kaltern and Mühlbach merge. Brixen becomes the motherhouse and centre of the congregation.

1929

1935

First Mission to Cameroon

The first sisters from Brixen go on mission to Cameroon.

1935

1956

Pontifical Rights

On July 14, 1956, Pope Pius XII raised the congregation of the Tertiary Sisters of Saint Francis to an Institute with pontifical rights.

1956

2023

The Present Day

Today the Tertiary Sisters are:

74 sisters in the Province of Brixen living in 6 communities
54 sisters in the Province of Hall living in 6 communities
335 sisters in the Province of Cameroon living in 50 communities
19 sisters in the Province of Bolivia living in 4 communities

2023