OSF HealthCare Marks 150 Years in Peoria
The health organization celebrates the sesquicentennial of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Awards
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OSF HealthCare is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis arriving in Peoria. The milestone honors the founding of the organization that eventually evolved into the current health system.
Why it matters
The anniversary reflects on 150 years of healthcare service initiated by the Sisters. It marks a significant historical milestone for the organization and the Peoria community.
The organization marked this 150-year anniversary after undergoing two years of formal planning. This celebration follows the original 1876 arrival of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis in Peoria.
The players
OSF HealthCare
This is a large integrated health system that traces its historical origins back to the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.
Bishop Louis Tylka
He is the Bishop who presided over the Mass of Thanksgiving held to commemorate the sesquicentennial anniversary.
The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis
They are the religious order that traveled from Germany to Iowa before establishing their foundation in Peoria in 1876.
The details
A private Mass of Thanksgiving was held in the Main Chapel of the OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center to observe the anniversary. Bishop Louis Tylka presided over the ceremony, which recognized the long-standing legacy of the founding Sisters.
Timeline
October 28, 1876: The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis arrived in Peoria.
October 28, 2026: A Mass of Thanksgiving was held in Peoria to mark the anniversary.
Culture Shift
The anniversary observance draws directly from the 1876 arrival of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis as the core reference point for the organization's history. This event solidifies the organization's commitment to its founding roots during its sesquicentennial year.
Residents in Peoria may notice continued commemorative activities and events held at various OSF HealthCare locations throughout the coming year. These celebrations reflect the deep-rooted presence of the healthcare system within the local community's history.
The takeaway
The milestone highlights the importance of historical continuity for large community health organizations. Residents can look forward to ongoing programming as the system continues to celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary.
What happens next
OSF HealthCare plans to host additional anniversary events and Masses across its various regional ministries throughout the remainder of the commemorative year.
Further reading
For more information on local historical commemorations, visit the Peoria Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mix 106.9.
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