History of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio

The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, were founded in 1916 in the city of Toledo, Ohio. Responding to a call from the Bishop of Toledo to staff parish schools, Franciscan Sisters from Rochester, Minnesota, under the leadership of Sister Mary Adelaide Sandusky, OSF, established a new Province of Franciscan Sisters in the area. In 1917, the small group of Sisters moved to the village of Sylvania on eighty-nine acres of land. In 1918, the Bishop invited the Sisters to respond to a critical need—ministering to ninety-eight influenza victims and their families. The healthcare ministry of the Sisters began with this service.

Under the dynamic leadership of Mother Mary Adelaide, OSF (1874-1964), the small group of Sisters expanded, providing remarkable testimony to peace and the beauty found in nature that is so much a part of the Franciscan way of life. Presently, the Sylvania Franciscan grounds house the leadership office of the Sisters of St. Francis, Franciscan Services Corporation, residences for the Sisters and Lourdes College. The Sylvania Franciscan Academy occupies adjacent property.

Today, the Sylvania Franciscan Sisters continue their efforts as healthcare providers and educators. They actively serve in a variety of ministries that include social work, healthcare administration, law, art, adult education, film production, drug rehabilitation, pastoral care, diocesan directorship, retreat facilitation, parish staffing and more.

Visit The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio's web site at www.sistersosf.org.

FSC System | FSC System Profile | St. Francis of Assisi

Franciscan Services Corporation
6832 Convent Boulevard, Sylvania, Ohio 43560
419-882-8373 • 419-882-7360 Fax

---

Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio