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Our History

The Journey of a Lifetime

For 12 women, it was the journey of a lifetime. Fueled by a desire to serve God and spread the healing ministry of their Congregation, the first Sisters of the Holy Redeemer left their home in Germany and came to America in March of 1924. Though they spoke little English, their compassion, gentle spirit, and dedication to others needed no translation.

Caring for the Homebound

Throughout its long history, the Congregation - which was founded in 1849 through the vision of Blessed Alphonse Maria Eppinger - has been dedicated to helping people of every age and social station. One of the Sisters' earliest ministries in this country was caring for the sick in their own homes - a ministry that continues to grow today through Holy Redeemer Home Care and Holy Redeemer Hospice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

A Health System Takes Root

From their modest beginnings, the Sisters' mission to care, comfort and heal continues to grow through the many programs, services, and facilities that comprise Redeemer Health. With a long-held commitment to older adults, the Sisters built Holy Redeemer St. Joseph Manor in 1934 on a 45-acre farm in Meadowbrook, PA. In later years, the Sisters established Holy Redeemer Village (1982) and acquired Holy Redeemer Lafayette in 1992.

Ever sensitive to the healthcare needs of the growing community, the Sisters built Holy Redeemer Hospital in 1959. Today, the hospital is one of the area's most trusted community hospitals, offering cutting-edge technology, delivered with compassion and respect.

Touched by the plight of Philadelphia's homeless women and children, the Sisters founded Drueding Center in 1986. To date, this renowned transitional housing program has helped hundreds of families and their dependent children on the road to independence and self-sufficiency.

Our Sponsor

In 2020, Holy Redeemer and the Sisters of the Redeemer took an important step to ensure that Redeemer Health will maintain its Catholic identity well into the future. The Sisters of the Redeemer officially transitioned their Sponsor role of Redeemer Health to a new Sponsor called Redeemer Ministries. This move allows prepared lay persons to have oversight in ensuring that Redeemer Health remains Catholic, follows all related Church teachings, and continues to promote and assure Jesus’ healing mission in the spirit of the Founding Sisters. The Sisters continue to remain involved in Redeemer Health and serve as members of the Redeemer Ministries Board.

Blessed Alphonse Maria Eppinger

On December 19, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI released a decree that officially recognized the heroic virtues of Alphonse Maria Eppinger and elevated her to the title of “Venerable Servant of God”. Then on January 26, 2018, Pope Francis upon review of the life and good works of Venerable Mother Alphonse Maria attributed a miracle that took place on May 29, 1955 to her intercession. The acceptance of the authenticity of this miracle officially closed a long period of study of her heroic virtues necessary for beatification. On September 9, 2018, she was beatified in Strasbourg, France.

Read the full story of Blessed Alphonse Maria Eppinger.