In 1858, Sarah Peter on behalf of Bishop Purcell, successfully persuaded the Sisters of Mercy from Dublin, Ireland and the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor from Aachen, Germany to come to Cincinnati to open schools and hospitals for the area's growing immigrant population. Eight Sisters of Mercy and six Franciscan Sisters of the Poor arrived on September 1858 to set up their ministries. Over the next 150 years, the two congregations of Sisters collectively built hospitals, a college, high schools, social service organizations and social service agencies.  In addition, scores of parish schools and various other social service programs in the greater Cincinnati area trace their roots to the Sisters of Mercy and the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor.

 

In 2008, Mercy Health Partners celebrated 150 years of ministry and service in Cincinnati by the Sisters of Mercy and the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. We would like to invite you to relive their remarkable journey and experience their ministry and service to those in Greater Cincinnati.

 

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