A century and a half of faith, service and compassionate care was celebrated Wednesday, October 28, as OSF HealthCare marked the 150th anniversary of the founding of The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.

On October 28, 1876, the founding Sisters arrived in Peoria, Illinois, establishing what would become a legacy of serving others with the greatest care and love. Today honors The Sisters' commitment to their faith and the communities they serve.

To commemorate this historic milestone, OSF HealthCare is hosting special events and Masses across its regional Ministries. A private Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated Wednesday in the Main Chapel of OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, with The Most Rev. Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria presiding.

The Mass offered an opportunity to reflect on the past 150 years of the OSF HealthCare Ministry, giving thanks to God for the generations of Sisters and Mission Partners who have carried its Mission forward.

For Sister Agnes Joseph Williams, O.S.F., Major Superior of The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis and chairperson of the OSF HealthCare Board of Directors, the anniversary is a powerful reminder of the faith and sacrifice of the founding Sisters.

"We feel it in our hearts. The day makes us remember our founding Sisters and how they came from Germany to Iowa to Peoria, not knowing or having anything. They solely relied on God to direct them and to help them," Sister Agnes Joseph says. "And how all of our Sisters, for the 150 years, have done exactly the same thing. God has not disappointed us, He promised He would be with us, and we're here to serve His people."

While much has changed over the last 150 years, The Sisters' commitment to their founding Mission remains steadfast. That Mission continues through the dedication of OSF HealthCare Mission Partners, who carry out the Sisters' vision of compassionate care each day.

"Our message remains the same, to serve with the greatest care and love. God's blessings will be with us. Our Sisters are faithful to God and the Church. We continually provide training and resources so our Mission Partners understand our Mission and how important it is," Sister Agnes Joseph says. "They're doing God's work, taking care of His people who are in so much need."

The anniversary celebration also recognizes the many individuals who have helped preserve and advance the Sisters' Mission, including those who have spent the last two years preparing for this historic occasion and the commemorative year ahead.

"I'm very thankful for all of God's love, mercy and graces over the last 150 years, and the next 150 to come," Sister Agnes Joseph says. "And to all of our Mission Partners who every day are out there, serving God's people and doing His work. Especially thank you to the committee of many people, who for the last two years, have been preparing for this day and this coming year."

As OSF HealthCare celebrates 150 years of its founding Sisters' legacy, the milestone serves as both a reflection on the past and a renewed commitment to continuing their Mission of serving others with the greatest care and love.

Learn more about the history of OSF HealthCare and The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis at osfhealthcare.org.

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OSF HealthCare is pleased to announce the appointment of Sister Agnes Joseph Williams, O.S.F., as the new Major Superior of The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, effective October 6. Joining her in leadership for the next six years are Sister Judith Ann Duvall, O.S.F., Sister Theresa Ann Brazeau, O.S.F., Sister Rose Therese Mann, O.S.F., and Sister Teresa Paul Selamat, O.S.F., who will serve as her council in guiding the Mission and Ministry of OSF HealthCare.

Sister Agnes Joseph succeeds Sister Judith Ann, who has faithfully led The Sisters for the past 18 years. Under Sister Judith Ann’s leadership, OSF HealthCare has grown into one of the largest Catholic health systems in Illinois, staying true to its Mission of serving with the greatest care and love. Her unwavering commitment to our faith-driven Ministry has left an indelible mark on the communities we serve.

"We are deeply grateful to Sister Judith Ann for her remarkable leadership, devotion, and vision," said Sister Agnes Joseph. "Her legacy is one of compassionate service, and we will continue to build on the foundation she has laid as we move forward into the future with renewed energy and faith.

“I am very honored that my Sisters have chosen me as their new Major Superior. I want to serve each of them with the greatest care and love and to grow with them on our spiritual journeys in our love of God and the service of each other,” Sister Agnes Joseph said. “Our health care system and each and every one of our Mission Partners are special gifts that God has entrusted to our Community. We will continue to embrace our responsibilities to govern and guide OSF HealthCare according to His will and to care for all those serving with us to the best of our abilities.”

Sister Judith Ann expressed her gratitude for serving as Major Superior for the past 18 years. “I was blessed to serve my Sisters and for all their love and support and prayers for me. It was a journey I will always cherish,” she said. “I am humbled and delighted that I will be able to continue being a member of the Governing Board of our Religious Community for the next six years.” 

Sister Agnes Joseph holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Akron. She serves on the OSF Boards and is on the Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing Board. Alongside her council, she will lead OSF HealthCare with a focus on the continuity of the OSF HealthCare Mission. Their combined experience and dedication will ensure that OSF continues to uphold the longstanding values and principles established by its founders, reinforcing its commitment to providing compassionate care and service to all communities.

"We are excited to welcome Sister Agnes Joseph and her council into their new roles," said Robert Sehring, CEO of OSF HealthCare. "Their leadership, grounded in faith and service, will continue to guide OSF HealthCare as we carry out our Mission to serve with the greatest care and love."

It is with great sadness that OSF HealthCare shares the news of the passing of Sister Diane Marie McGrew, O.S.F., president of OSF HealthCare. Sister Diane Marie died peacefully on Sunday, June 9 following her five-year battle against ovarian and uterine cancers.

Sister Diane Marie joined The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis in 1988. She was appointed president of OSF HealthCare in 2006.

Her dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to the Mission of OSF HealthCare have left an indelible mark on the organization.

“Her leadership has guided us through numerous challenges and successes, while adhering to the OSF Vision of embracing God's great gift of life, we are one OSF Ministry transforming health care to improve the lives of those we serve,” said Bob Sehring, CEO, OSF HealthCare. “At the forefront of everything she did was the Sisters’ Mission to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the gift of life.”

Beyond her role as president, Sister Diane Marie's service extended to various pivotal positions within the Congregation and the Ministry. She was elected to the Governing Board of the Congregation and assumed the office of treasurer in 2000, demonstrating her financial stewardship and commitment to the Congregation's Mission. Additionally, her longstanding presence on the boards of OSF HealthCare, OSF HealthCare Foundation and OSF Saint Francis, Inc., exemplified her deep-rooted dedication to the advancement of the OSF Ministry and its philanthropic efforts.

“As we mourn the loss of Sister Diane Marie, let us also celebrate her life and the profound impact she has had on OSF HealthCare and the communities we serve. Let us honor her memory by rededicating ourselves to the Mission and provide exceptional health care with love and dignity,” said Sister Judith Ann Duvall, O.S.F., Chairperson of the Boards for OSF HealthCare and Major Superior.

Visitation for Sister will begin at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11 at the Motherhouse, 1175 St. Francis Lane in East Peoria, Illinois, followed by the rosary at 7 p.m. Her funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12 with burial in the cemetery on the Motherhouse grounds following Mass.