Our Story

Our story starts in 1700 when our foundress, Maria Hueber, introduced girls’ education to northern Italy. For more than 300 years, we have followed her example, striving to make Christ visible in the world through our ministries in education, health, care for elders, and the empowerment of women.

Our work takes many forms and takes us to many places, but our creed is simple: We work to deliver the blessings of God to the forgotten, the overlooked, and the most in need.

We invite you to learn more about our story, and to join us in its next chapters.

Maria Hueber

Our foundress Maria Hueber (1653-1705) was a pioneer in reimagining the role of women in society and in the Church. At a time when it was anything but normal, she questioned hierarchy, empowered women, and dedicated her life to serving those at the margins of society.

Our History

Maria Hueber’s work and teachings have inspired women the world over. Since the early 1700s, our community has grown organically from women embracing her example.

Since our formal founding in 1724, we have grown from several small communities in northern Italy and Austria to more than 500 women on three continents.

How We Live

Following the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi and Venerable Maria Hueber, our foundress, we live in sisterly communities, rooted in the Gospel and Franciscan values.

We strive daily to testify to the goodness, love and mercy of God through our presence and ministries.