Mary Alphonse Bradley, Servants of Mary (Servite Sisters) of Ladysmith, Mother General

Biographical

The Servants of Mary (Servite Sisters) in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, is a diocesan women’s congregation in the Roman Catholic Church, professing vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Roots date back to 1233 with the founding of the Servite Order in Florence, Italy. Our community began in the early 20th century when five Sisters of St. Joseph from LaGrange, Illinois, responded to a request from Servite Friars in 1912 to serve at St. Mary’s Parish School in Ladysmith.

Sisters Mary Alphonse Bradley, Mary Rose Smith, Mary Evangelist Corcoran, Mary Irene Drummand, and Mary Charles Kolmesh arrived in September 1912 to teach. Later, Sister Mary Boniface Hayes joined, forming the core founders.

Guided by the Mantellate Sisters from Italy, the Ladysmith community adopted the Rule of St. Augustine and the Marian spirit of the Servite Order. On December 8, 1919, it became an independent diocesan congregation, with Sister Mary Alphonse Bradley as the first Mother General. The congregation officially joined the worldwide Servite Order in 1921.

Initially focused on education and caring for the sick, they built a hospital by 1918, just in time for the flu epidemic. Today, inspired by our founders’ daring spirit, we continue to serve through diverse ministries, responding to evolving needs with dedication, living out our commitment to God and the Church by sharing His word, love, and healing.

Places

• Wisconsin (state) (Residence)