In 1878, as yellow fever swept through Memphis, uncertainty and concern silenced the city. Yet, during that stillness, a remarkable act of courage and faith emerged. Sister Engelberta Gramen, stepped into the heart of this crisis, driven by a mission of love and service. Her selfless act, during a devastating public health crisis, laid a foundation for a legacy that continues to shine through Saint Francis Healthcare System today.
Courage in the Face of Catastrophe
At the peak of the epidemic, Memphis was overwhelmed. The city, weakened with illness and marked by loss, saw half of its population flee. Among the few who dared enter this stricken community were Sister Gramen and three fellow nuns from Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau. The four women, guided by an unyielding faith and a devotion to help the suffering, arrived to tend to the sick and comfort the dying.
The risks they faced were enormous. Each sister contracted yellow fever, yet through their resilience and divine providence, all three Saint Francis nuns survived. Their presence provided hope where there was despair, care where there was neglect, and a steadfast reminder of the power of compassion guided by faith.
Building a Foundation of Service
Sister Gramen’s work in Memphis was only one chapter of her extraordinary life. Three years earlier, in 1875, she and her fellow sisters had taken a bold step in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, founding what would become Saint Francis Hospital and laying the foundation for what would become Saint Francis Healthcare System. With just 12 patient beds and a simple, yet profound mission, Saint Francis was established to care for the ill, particularly the marginalized and forgotten. From its modest beginnings, the hospital grew, guided by the principles that Sister Gramen held dear – faith, service, and healing with compassion.
Their vision for the hospital was clear. It was never solely about medical care; it was about spiritual dignity, humanity, and aligning every action with God’s plan to serve others. This foundation became a beacon, not just for healthcare delivery, but for living a life devoted to others.
A Legacy That Endures
The values Sister Gramen embodied – courage, faith, and compassion – are woven deeply into the fabric of Saint Francis Healthcare System today. The healthcare system stands as a testament to her unwavering belief that care must come from the heart, rooted in faith and love. Her legacy lives on through every smile, every healing touch, and every moment spent easing the pain of others.
To celebrate this indelible impact, the Sister Gramen Gratitude Award was created, honoring those who exhibit extraordinary kindness and dedication in service to others. This award extends her spirit to a new generation, ensuring her memory is not just cherished but actively lived out. Since its inception in September 2022, nineteen Saint Francis colleagues have received this award, signifying their devotion to service at the highest standard of care.
Saint Francis Healthcare System continues to serve the region with the same guiding principles that Sister Gramen championed. Whether through innovative care, outreach programs, or simply listening to a patient’s fears, the mission is clear – to follow in the footsteps of a remarkable woman who understood that service, inspired by faith, is at the very core of God’s plan for us all.
An Inspiring Directive
Sister Engelberta Gramen’s story is more than history; it is an invitation. It calls on each of us to reflect on how we can contribute to the lives of compassionate service. Whether through time, resources, or small everyday acts of kindness, together we can keep her legacy alive.
While we celebrate Sister Gramen, we also honor more than 150 years of unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
[1] Image Citation: “Catholic Sisters of Charity,” 1870s, Manuscript Collection, 31967, Tennessee State Library and Archives, Tennessee Virtual Archive, https://teva.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p15138coll18/id/78, accessed 2025-07-23.
