Oldenburg Sisters of St. Francis celebrate 175th anniversary

(OLDENBURG, Ind.) – Tuesday marks the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg. 

It all began when Fr. Francis Rudolf had the idea to create a congregation that would teach German-born immigrants in Southeast Indiana. 

A 24-year-old nun in Austria accepted the task. Her name was Theresa Hackelmeier and she arrived in Oldenburg on January 6, 1851. 

She severed all ties with her former convent in Austria to assure the American identity of the newly-formed Franciscan Sisters.

A year after being founded, 'Mother' Theresa Hackelmeier led the charge in 1852 to establish a school for girls, which became Oldenburg Academy. 

There was also a brief period of time where the Oldenburg Sisters cared for orphans following a cholera epidemic in the late 1840’s. 

Hackelmeier passed away in 1860 as the Sisters educational mission continued to grow. The Sisters also established schools in Indianapolis, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri and a few other states. 

The Oldenburg convent is also responsible for forming what is now Marian University. 

In 1937, the Sisters decided to move Marian College from Oldenburg to Indianapolis. This venture was undertaken to provide college education for lay women, as well as for the Sisters themselves. 

There are still several tributes at Marian that recognize its roots, including Oldenburg Hall and the Mother Theresa Hackelmeier Memorial Library.

Today, the Sisters of St. Francis continue to sponsor Marian University and Oldenburg Academy.

They also embrace ministries in social services, healthcare, pastoral care, and the advocacy of peace and justice. 

“Throughout their history, the Sisters have demonstrated compassion and commitment to serving those most in need. Their hard work, joyfulness, and Franciscan charism have had a profound and lasting impact on countless lives,” said Sisters of St. Francis marketing specialist Melissa Starkey.

This 175-year milestone is not only a celebration of the past, but also a renewed commitment to continue their ministries into the future, Starkey added. 

The public is invited to send cards of congratulations to:

Sisters of St. Francis

P.O. Box 100

Oldenburg, IN 47036

Those who wish to share a personal story about how the Sisters have made an impact in their lives may email communications.department@oldenburgfranciscans.org.