150th Anniversary

The Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence was founded in Germany in 1851 by Bishop Wilhelm Emmanuel von Ketteler and Mother Marie de la Roche. Their mission was twofold: to serve the poor, the sick, and to teach girls in the rural areas of Mainz, Germany.

In 1876, six young Sisters traveled to North America to carry forth the mission of the Congregation and to spread its charism of Providence to a new land. By the early 1900s, the Congregation had grown to more than 300 women in Germany and the United States.

Through changing times and new challenges, the spirit of Providence that inspired them continues to guide our work today. Together, we celebrate all that has been accomplished, and we look forward with hope to the opportunities that lie ahead. While much has changed, the heart of our mission remains the same—walking with those in need and responding with compassion, prayer, and action. Across our ministries, we welcome
immigrant families, provide microgrants to women in Central America, accompany new community members, and hold all of this work in our prayers.