First members from the USA enter the Salvatorian Community

Before a novitiate was established in Milwaukee, all Salvatorian postulants traveled to Rome to make their novitiate. Three candidates from Uniontown, Washington were the first Americans to enter the Milwaukee community: Elizabeth Kinzer (Sister Blanche), Katherine Broenneke (Sister Berchmanns), and Johanna Reichert who did not remain with the Salvatorian Community.  After attending Holy Angels Academy for two years, the three candidates left for Rome on June 13, 1903 to make their novitiate.

Elizabeth Kinzer (Sr. Blanche) and Katherine Broenneke (Sr. Berchmanns)


Our 125 Year Celebration

As we look back on our 125th anniversary of coming to the USA, we invite you to reminisce with us. We've launched all 5 time lines with historical milestones and stories that bring to life the experiences of our sisters who came before us.

Era 1: 1895-1920
Responding to Immigrant Needs

The missionary response of hearty immigrant women religious characterizes the first 25 years of Salvatorian Sisters’ presence in the United States ...

Era 2: 1920-1950
Expanding in an “American” Church

By 1920, life for a Salvatorian Sister in the USA was radically different than it had been 25 years earlier. World War I ....

Era 3: 1950-1970
Embracing Renewal

Bob Dylan’s 1964 classic, The Times They Are A Changing, captures the high energy of this era.  Change was afoot both outside and inside the Salvatorian convent walls...

Era 4: 1970-2000
Building Collaboration

Events of the mid-1960s renewed the collaborative energy that had always characterized Salvatorian life. Cloistered living ...

Era 5: 2000-2020
Searching for New Footing in a Changing World

When the new millennium arrived on January 1, 2000, Salvatorian Sisters were already five years into our second century on USA soil.  Our ...