Servite Sisters: Servants of Mary (1912-) (Ladysmith, WI)

Biographical

The Servants of Mary (Servite Sisters) in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, are a Roman Catholic congregation founded in response to community needs. Our roots trace back to 1233 with the Servite Order in Italy, but our story as a community began in 1912 when five courageous sisters left their home in LaGrange, Illinois, to serve St. Mary’s Parish School.

Sisters Mary Alphonse, Mary Rose, Mary Evangelist, Mary Irene, and Mary Charles arrived at Ladysmith ready to teach in a new school, and Sister Mary Boniface soon joined them. Under the guidance of the Mantellate Sisters from Italy, they adopted the Rule of St. Augustine and embraced the spirit of service and devotion.

By December 8, 1919, they became an independent congregation, with Sister Mary Alphonse appointed as our first Mother General. Initially focused on education and caring for the sick, they opened a hospital in 1918 to meet urgent community needs during the flu epidemic.

Today, they continue to carry forward that pioneering spirit, responding to the evolving needs of our community and embodying Mary’s example of faith and service as they share God’s love and healing with those they serve.

Places

• Wisconsin (state) (Residence)