August 21 commemorates Mother Caroline Friess' birthday.
We remember gratefully her life and her life's work as she faithfully discerned God's dream for German immigrant children back in her time. We marvel at her vivaciousness and perseverance with which she established schools in North America, to meet the needs of her time and the deep love and care for the sisters that surrounded her. May we follow her resolve to "Look not forward with anxious care but upward in a spirit of Faith and Hope."
Learn more about her life and times in these articles and videos
From Sturdy Roots - Mother Caroline Friess (August 21, 1824 - July 22, 1892) "Through courageous leadership, adapted the congregation to life on another continent, perceptively reading the signs of the times, risking innovative response to the needs of the new world."
The Travels and Trials of Mother Caroline Friess By Michele Levandoski, Archivist
Learn about the SSND Educational Vision in the 19th century - Video
