Giving
Our Founders
Mother Mary Odilia Berger
When the Franciscan Sisters of Mary (FSM) were founded in 1872, by Mary Odilia Berger, they were known as the Sisters of St. Mary.
Mother Mary Augustine Giesen
Twenty-two years later, seven sisters, under the leadership of Mary Augustine Giesen, formed a new community, the Sisters of St. Francis of Maryville, MO (OSF).
Following Vatican II, both congregations began renewal and planning for their futures. By the early 1980's, there was an awareness among them of being called to a shared future.
To this end, they began serious conversations, socialization and shared programs to deepen their relationships.
In May 1985, members of both congregations made a momentous decision. Casting individual ballots, the OSF and the SSM voted to reunite as a single congregation.
In August 1987, sisters from both the OSF and SSM tradition met to elect leadership for the reunited congregation, resulting in the formation of the congregation known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.