First International Archives Conference

Münster, June 12, 2026. “Preserving yesterday for tomorrow, today”: This is the motto of the first International Archives Conference of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, which will take place in Münster from June 15–19, 2026, at the invitation of the General Administration of the international Congregation.

Among the approximately 50 participants are the superiors and heads of the archives at the Generalate and at the locations in Germany, Poland, the USA, Japan, and India. Today, the delegations from Poland and Japan were warmly welcomed at the Motherhouse in Münster; participants from the USA and India are expected tomorrow.

“Preserving our historical heritage is far more than a purely administrative task: it is a service to the memory of our community and the history of each country, as well as a testimony to our work in the world,” explains General Treasurer Sister M. Beata Kapitza, who is responsible for the Generalate Archives and is chairing the conference. “To fulfill this mission in a timely and professional manner, we would like to exchange ideas on current standards, challenges, and best-practice examples during this international conference.” In addition to reports from the various order archives, the program includes presentations by external experts as well as a tour of the archive at the Gerleve convent.

“The documentation of our international Congregation and the examination of our history demonstrate impressively how archival work can build bridges,” explains General Superior Sister M. Margarete Ulager. “We are very much looking forward to exchanging ideas on this important topic with our guests from all over the world.”

The international conference has been in preparation for several months by the Sisters and the Generalate team. The conference hall has now been fully equipped for the event—including the interpreter booths. All presentations will be available in German, English, Polish, and Japanese.