HARC Congregation Collection · HARC-008
Sisters of Mary Servite Sisters
Servite Sisters of Ladysmith, Wisconsin, trace their remote beginnings to 1233 with the founding of the Servite Order in Florence, Italy. In 1912, five sisters arrived in Ladysmith to serve St. Mary's Parish School, founding a congregation rooted in compassionate service and Mary's example.
Founded
1233, Florence, Italy
Motherhouse
Lady Smith, Wisconsin, since 1855
Collection
HARC-008
Charism
"In the cries of the world we, like Mary hear the call to respond with loving hearts and compassionate service."
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.
The Servants of Mary, also known as the Servite Sisters, are part of the international Servite Order, which traces its origins to 1233 in Florence, Italy. This branch was founded in 1912 to minister to St. Mary's Parish School in Ladysmith, Wisconsin.
The congregation has a long legacy of teaching and caring for the sick in communities across the Midwest. Today, it includes around 21 women religious in the United States.
Today, lay people carry on many of the Servite Sisters' ministries in the United States, but they continue to respond to the call of God. Their charism — rooted in Mary's own compassionate response to those in need — calls them to be a loving presence among God's people and to find deep gladness in meeting the world's deep need.
In the collection
Ministries and themes
Threads that run through the records — what a researcher will find documented here.
Historical ministries
The Servite Sisters respond to the world's need for deep spirituality.
Sisters Living Mission and Values
The Servite Sisters We are open to needs as they arise and change our focus in keeping with emerging needs, nurture in others an awareness of their own dignity and beauty and help them realize their potential.
Social justice advocacy
Inspired by Mary at the cross, the Servite Sisters stand with the poor and the weak. They work through global networks like Servite Justice to fight modern problems.
Global mission
The Order of Servite Sisters functions worldwide, with significant presences in countries like Canada, Brazil, Ireland, and Indonesia, besides their major bases in the US and Europe.
Continued growth
The Mary Alphonse Bradley Fund has distributed over $3.8 million in grants across 31+ countries. The Sisters have been active in combating human trafficking, supporting migrants, and engaging in socially responsible investin.
Digital collection
Digital Items
Near Our Lady of Sorrows Convent in Ladysmith, Kennedy is briefly surrounded by Sisters and Postulants who pinned a shamrock on him.
Celebrating the Centennial
Sisters Celebrating the Centennial
By Guidance of Mary
Servants of Mary Sr. Doris Ann Samens, left, is pictured with her first cousin Sr. Virginia Schwartz on their profession day in Ladysmith on Aug. 16, 1949. (submitted photo)
Research this collection
The complete finding aid for HARC-008 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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