As part of Catholic Sisters Week, the Diocese of Erie is highlighting the enduring legacy of the religious orders that have served northwestern Pennsylvania since 1852. According to reports from the Erie Times-News, the Benedictine Sisters, followed by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1860 and the Sisters of Mercy in 1870, have played a foundational role in building the region’s educational and social infrastructure.
The contributions of these women include the establishment of numerous institutions, such as St. Benedict Academy, Mercyhurst University, and various senior living and social service facilities. Nancy Fischer, a Sister of St. Joseph and director of the Office for Religious in the Diocese of Erie, notes that the sisters’ work transcends religious boundaries, focusing on advocacy for immigrants, civil rights, and social justice.
Local leaders and residents, including Bob Merski and Dr. Alice Edwards, have publicly shared how these sisters influenced their personal and professional development. The sisters continue to organize vigils and participate in social advocacy, maintaining a visible presence in local community life. The diocese invites members of the public to share their own stories via the official website, eriecatholicsisters.org, to honor the 174-year history of the orders in the region.