Visit Us
THE MOTHERHOUSE
The Sisters of St. Casimir Motherhouse is located on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. Built in 1911 to become the heart and home for the new Congregation established in 1907, the Motherhouse was the place where women came to join Mother Maria and learn about religious life. The Motherhouse facility also became a ministry site for grade school students and housed the first classrooms of St. Casimir Academy, later becoming Maria High School.
As the numbers of Sisters and students increased, the original building was too small. In 1921, the second section of the original building was added to make more room for the Sisters’ living quarters and additional classrooms and laboratories. Four years later, in 1925, a third section was added to the Academy and Motherhouse – the magnificent Romanesque chapel and auditorium which also served as the girls’ gymnasium.
The final addition to the original building was added in 1971. Offices, living quarters and an infirmary were included in this expansion. Today, the well-kept gardens and building offer a quiet respite from the busyness of city life.
Masses praying for the beatification of Mother Maria Kaupas, Foundress of the Sisters of St. Casimir, have been held monthly in the SSC Motherhouse chapel for over 20 years. Attendance has grown as favors are received through Mother Maria’s intercession. All are invited to these liturgies, and to enjoy coffee and hospitality afterwards in the Sisters’ dining room. See our calendar of events for the next scheduled Mass.
LITHUANIAN MUSEUM
Today, housed in the original Motherhouse building are three ”Heritage Rooms.” Two rooms display a variety of Lithuanian artifacts, which preserve the Congregation’s Lithuanian cultural wealth. A third room presents a history of the Sisters of St. Casimir, including many mementos of Mother Maria.
LITHUANIAN LIBRARY
Also located in the original Motherhouse building is the Sisters of St. Casimir Lithuanian Library which houses many periodicals and books published in Lithuania before the Russian occupation. These publications were collected and preserved from the library of Reverend Anthony Staniukynas, sponsor and advocate of the Congregation, and Mother Maria Kaupas, Foundress.
TOURS
Interested in a tour of the Motherhouse, the Lithuanian Heritage Rooms and/or the Lithuanian Library? Tours can be arranged by calling the Sisters of St. Casimir Motherhouse at (773) 776-1324, or send us an email with your inquiry.