Who They Are

For the Sisters of the Divine Savior, promoting justice has always been a collaborative effort. The international congregation has more than 1,000 members serving people in need across 26 countries. Working closely with other organizations, they support vulnerable communities through advocacy, education, and other ministries.

Often called the Salvatorian Sisters, they aim to

Make known the goodness and kindness of Jesus, Savior of the world, and to foster an awareness of a loving God among peoples in whatever place and by whatever means the Spirit of God inspires.

This mission is shaped by their charism, or guiding purpose, which “is to be rooted in Jesus, the Savior, as we share His Mission of worldwide evangelization with simplicity and trust in God.”

They use this gift to improve the lives of marginalized people, especially women, children, and the poor.

Their Story

From the very beginning, the Sisters of the Divine Savior have been rooted in collaboration. Father Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan and Blessed Mary of the Apostles (Therese von Wüllenweber) co-founded the congregation in 1888 in Tivoli, Italy.

Father Jordan felt called to start a religious order after he saw a growing disinterest in spirituality in Europe. Mother Mary soon joined his efforts to spread the Gospel throughout the world.

In 1895, the Salvatorian Sisters answered Archbishop Katzer’s call for women religious to care for the sick in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Immigrants from Germany, Ireland, and Poland had flocked to the city in search of new opportunities. They needed spiritual leaders who could nurture their faith while helping them adapt to the United States.

Sister Walburga Sieghart was one of three Salvatorian Sisters who traveled to Milwaukee. They ministered to the ill and elderly in their homes, offering comfort and medical care.

In 1926, the Salvatorian Sisters founded Divine Savior High School in Milwaukee. The school originally educated young women preparing to join the congregation, but it opened to lay students in 1948. It soon added classes in science and math, becoming the Archdiocese’s fastest-growing high school in the 1950s.

Building on the collaborative work of its founders, the congregation also has a strong international presence. Today, Salvatorian Sisters serve communities in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America.

While the sisters minister in many different countries, they’re united by five core values: Collaboration, Responsible stewardship, Promoting justice, Improving quality of life, and A preferential option for the poor. These values guide them as they share their charism with the global community and respond to new challenges.

Contributions and Legacy

Healthcare is a cornerstone of the Salvatorian Sisters’ mission. Following in the footsteps of Sister Walburga, they minister to the elderly and ill. For instance, they sponsor Hadley Terrace Senior Apartments in Milwaukee, where they help residents age with dignity and care.

This commitment to health and well-being also drives many of their global ministries. One example is the Centre UZIMA in southern Congo. It provides prenatal, maternal, and pediatric care for vulnerable families.

Similarly, the sisters have established medical centers in Mozambique and Tanzania. These institutions provide access to healthcare for rural and underserved populations who might otherwise not receive care.

The congregation also champions education and vocational training. The sisters have founded many programs that empower marginalized communities with new skills and opportunities. For instance, Project Light offers English as a Second Language tutoring to help immigrants prepare for citizenship.

Another core project is Salvatorian Advocacy for Victims of Exploitation, Inc. (S.A.V.E.). It supports women who have experienced human trafficking through mentoring, advocacy, and vocational training. Through these ministries, the sisters help survivors heal and strengthen their connection to God.