Main Stream: Franciscans

Like Francis of Assisi and Magdalen Damen, they live a life of trust in God's goodness and providence, living the Gospel in our time with gentle courtesy toward all creation.

The congregation was founded in 1835 in Heythuysen, the Netherlands, by Mother Magdalen Daemen, in response to widespread poverty, illness, and social upheaval in post-Napoleonic Europe. Drawing inspiration from the Franciscan penitential tradition, the sisters combined active charity with deep spiritual renewal, caring for the sick, educating children, and serving the poor. The congregation later expanded to Germany and the United States, where it became well known for ministries in healthcare, education, and social services. Throughout its history, the congregation has remained faithful to its original vision of penance lived as love, mercy, and service.

vocations@osfpenance.org