Edward Francis Daems, Sisters of Saint Francis of the Holy Cross, Reverend , -1879

Biographical

In 1851, Belgian Crosier priest Francis Edward Daems joined other missionaries in Little Chute, Wisconsin, aiming to serve Belgians and Europeans seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities. In 1852, he moved to Bay Settlement on the Wisconsin Peninsula, where his skills as an educator, pastor, healer, and his missionary zeal gained recognition. He built Holy Cross Church and helped establish 14 chapels across his vast parish.

To unite recent immigrants from different countries, he built a one-room parish school in 1865. Lacking teachers, he invited two young women from his parish, Sister Christine Rousseau and Sister Pauline LaPlante, to return from Racine to help. Later, in 1868, Sister Pius Doyle joined them. A strong supporter of Catholic education and the Sisters’ ministry, Father Daems remained committed until his death on February 12, 1879.9.

Places

• Wisconsin (state) (Other)