HARC Congregation Collection · HARC-007
Sisters ofSaint Casimir
The Sisters of Saint Casimir were founded to support Lithuanian immigrants' transition to the United States.
Founded
1907, Chicago, Illinois
Motherhouse
Chicago, Illinois
Collection
HARC-007
Charism
"Journey toward the Gospel vision of a peaceful, loving, and just world."
About this collection
Standing with the oppressed and exploited, for the dignity of women and children, and for life against violence in all its forms.
In 1897, Casimira Kaupus migrated from Lithuania to Scranton, Pennsylvania. While she originally worked as her brother's housekeeper, her plans changed after she first encountered women religious. Enchanted by the thought of an apostolic religious life, she decided to enter a congregation. At the same time, the American Lithuanian clergy had begun to sense that existing parish services weren't fully meeting the immigrant community's spiritual needs. They invited Kaupus to lead a new congregation that would nurture the faith life of Lithuanians. She agreed and traveled to Switzerland to study with the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross for three years in preparation. In 1907, Kaupus founded the Sisters of St. Casimir, which was named after the patron saint of Lithuania. At the same time, Kaupus received the religious name Sister Maria. Her generosity and deep-rooted faith influenced the congregation's core values.
Education has always been a cornerstone of the Sisters' ministries. In 1908, they helped establish Holy Cross School in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania. It provided a Catholic education for the children of Lithuanian immigrants.
Today, the Sisters of St. Casimir continue to serve underprivileged communities.
In the collection
Ministries and themes
Threads that run through the records — what a researcher will find documented here.
Historical ministries
Across the United States, the congregation has founded several schools for girls and the children of Lithuanian immigrants.
Sisters Living Mission and Values
The Sisters of Saint Casimir believe that by engaging in education, healthcare, and other ministries which reflect the spirit and faith-filled vision of our foundress.
Social justice advocacy
Inspired by their foundress, Venerable Mother Maria Kaupas, and their patron St. Casimir, the congregation integrates justice and mercy into everyday community life and outreach.
Global mission
The global mission of the Sisters of St. Casimir focuses heavily on two main regions outside of the United States: Lithuania and Argentina.
Continued growth
The sisters center on evolving their network, collaboration, and safeguarding their mission for future generations.
Digital collection
Digital Items
On August of 1999, Pope Leo XIV (then known as Rev. Robert Prevost, O.S.A.) visited St. Casimir.
On August of 1999, Pope Leo XIV (then known as Rev. Robert Prevost, O.S.A.) blessed the sarcophagus and mosaic of Mother Maria Kaupas of the Sisters of St. Casimir.
On August of 1999, Pope Leo XIV (then known as Rev. Robert Prevost, O.S.A.) with the Sisters of Saint Casimir.
Mother Maria Touring Lithuania.
Founding Sisters Maria, Immaculata, and Concepta, 1907
Research this collection
The complete finding aid for HARC-007 describes the congregation’s records in full. Reference service is available to researchers, congregational communities, students, and the public; on-site consultation is by appointment.
Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
info@harcsm.org
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