Our Story
To the Poorest First:
The Journey of the Victory Noll Sisters
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Discover the story of Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters, from their humble beginnings to the work they continue today.
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This two-year project combines archival films and photos, along with interviews with Victory Noll Sisters and those who have been impacted by their century of presence and service.
HISTORY
Our founder, Father John Joseph Sigstein, was a man of prayer, vision, and action with great love and compassion for poor and oppressed peoples. He was driven by his sense of being part of God’s Mission, and by his devotion to Mary under her title of Our Lady of Victory.
CURRENT STORY
The OLVM Congregation has faced many challenges in recent years, many which have felt like endings. But the Victory Noll Sisters are embracing this as a time for re-commitment to live into the next phase of their life. They are called to explore the depths of the vowed life, open themselves to a new experience of community life, and continue their search for God and the questions of God, and to share who they are with others.
THE FUTURE
Legacy includes the presence and lasting ministry influence of Sisters and how they share our abundant resources. Over the last decade, a Legacy Plan has been developed to ensure the mission and charism of the OLVM Sisters will continue even when they are no longer physically present.
MISSION STATEMENT
In the spirit of Mary, Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters commit themselves to Gospel non-violence. They strive to share Christ’s love with those who live in poverty and oppression in a personal, non-institutional way.
VICTORY NOLL CAMPUS
The Victory Noll Motherhouse opened in 1925 to provide a home for Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters. Buildings were added as the Congregation grew. In recent years, as the size and needs of the community have changed, the buildings have been repurposed. Through a number of collaborations, the campus will continue to be aligned with the OLVM mission.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters began the celebration of their 100th anniversary in August of 2021. The community of women religious, also known as the Victory Noll Sisters, were established in Chicago by Father John Joseph Sigstein. He sent the first two Sisters, Marie Benes and Julia Doyle, on their initial mission assignment to Santa Fe, N.M. They arrived there on August 5, 1922, establishing the traditional date for the inception of the congregation.