Our History

We Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ trace our roots to Dernbach, Germany where our foundress, Catherine Kasper was born in 1820.

Growing up, Catherine heard a “voice within” calling her to be compassionate and caring. She was faithful to the Spirit within her. Alert to the needs of those around her, she helped the poor and sick and took in those who were abandoned.

Other women joined her forming an Association of Charity. Catherine would walk many miles to consult with the Bishop of Limburg in the process of realizing her vision of a religious community. Her persistence and deep humility finally convinced Bishop Blum that God was at the center of her vision.

On August 15, 1851, Catherine and her four companions professed their vows in the parish church of Wirges, thus formally beginning the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ congregation.