Who They Are

The Sisters of Saint Casimir were founded to support Lithuanian immigrants’ transition to the United States.

Around the turn of the twentieth century, hundreds of thousands of Lithuanians migrated to Chicago and other cities. As they adapted to their new home, many faced economic and language barriers. The sisters helped them preserve their Catholic faith and Lithuanian heritage.

These activities are rooted in their charism, or guiding purpose, which is to

Journey toward the Gospel vision of a peaceful, loving, and just world.

As they respond to this call, they follow four core values: spirituality, community, mission, and stewardship.

Their Story

In 1897, Casimira Kaupus migrated from Lithuania to Scranton, Pennsylvania. While she originally worked as her brother’s housekeeper, her plans changed after she first encountered women religious. Enchanted by the thought of an apostolic religious life, she decided to enter a congregation.

At the same time, the American Lithuanian clergy had begun to sense that existing parish services weren’t fully meeting the immigrant community’s spiritual needs. They invited Kaupus to lead a new congregation that would nurture the faith life of Lithuanians. She agreed and traveled to Switzerland to study with the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross for three years in preparation.

In 1907, Kaupus founded the Sisters of St. Casimir, which was named after the patron saint of Lithuania. At the same time, Kaupus received the religious name Sister Maria. Her generosity and deep-rooted faith influenced the congregation’s core values.

Education has always been a cornerstone of the Sisters’ ministries. In 1908, they helped establish Holy Cross School in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania. It provided a Catholic education for the children of Lithuanian immigrants.

While Pennsylvania was home to many Lithuanian immigrants, Chicago was an even bigger hub. In 1911, the sisters opened their motherhouse in the city, soon followed by St. Casimir Academy. It later became a high school for girls pursuing a Catholic education.

Of course, the congregation has never forgotten its Lithuanian roots. In 1920, Mother Maria traveled back to her homeland with four sisters to establish a new congregation. The American and Lithuanian women religious collaborated closely until 1934, when the Lithuanian congregation became independent.

Today, the Sisters of St. Casimir continue to serve underprivileged communities

By engaging in education, healthcare, and other ministries which reflect the spirit and faith-filled vision of our foundress.

Contributions and Legacy

From the very beginning, the Sisters of St. Casimir have supported underserved communities through ministries in education.

Across the United States, the congregation has founded several schools for girls and the children of Lithuanian immigrants. In 1932, they opened Villa Joseph Marie High School, a private Catholic college-preparatory school for young women. Today, the school is renowned for its athletics and fine arts programs.

In 1952, the sisters established Maria High School. Seventy years later, they expanded the institution with Catalyst-Maria, a Chicago charter school that educates K–12 students in a faith-based environment.

The congregation also brought its education mission to Argentina. In 1941, they opened their first international school in Avellaneda and quickly became part of the local community. They train catechists, tutor elementary school students, and help the residents make and sell candles. Later, the sisters established two more schools in Rosario and Córdoba.

Healthcare is another key aspect of the congregation’s ministries. In 1928, the sisters opened Holy Cross Hospital, which they staffed as nurses and administrators. They also founded the Holy Family Villa Nursing Home in 1939, which marked the beginning of their ministry in the care of the aged.