As Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross, our lives in Community are rooted in the Cross, Word, and Eucharist. Guided by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, we compassionately respond to the needs of our times through prayer, presence and hospitality. Our founding dates back to 1868 when Crosier Father Edward Daems came from Belgium and traveled several counties in Northeast Wisconsin to care for and to educate immigrants who spoke either Dutch, English, French or German. Needing help, Father Daems asked two Dominican novices, Christine Rousseau and Pauline La Plante, if they could assist him. Within a short time, Sister Pius Doyle and Sister Mary Van Lanen joined them and committed their lives to the people and Church of Northeast Wisconsin in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.