History Page | Six Founding Members Arrive in California – 1868

SNJM Arrive in California—A Lasting Educational Mission

From left to right, starting from the top: Sisters Marie-Antoine, Marie-Célestine, Marie-Cyrille, Marie-Marcelline, Marie-Salomé, and Marie-Séraphine.

May 15, 1868, marks a significant milestone in the history of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM): their arrival in California, United States, to establish a mission dedicated to Christian education.

Responding to the call of Father King and Archbishop Alemany, a small group of sisters left Quebec for a long journey to the American West. Among them was Sister Marie-Salomé (Hortense Martin), the superior, accompanied by companions committed to this new mission.

An Educational Mission That Crosses Borders

Upon arriving in Oakland, the sisters devoted themselves to teaching and the formation of young people. Their efforts quickly bore fruit: their influence spread across California, contributing to the development of numerous educational initiatives.

Over the decades, this presence became part of a broader missionary movement. In 1961, SNJM sisters extended this momentum by founding a mission in Peru, reflecting a commitment that reaches far beyond borders.

A Living Legacy in California

Today, the legacy of the SNJM remains strong in California through well-known institutions such as:
• Ramona High School
• Holy Names High School (Oakland)
• Holy Names University (Oakland)

These institutions continue the SNJM educational mission, rooted in values of inclusion, excellence, and support for young people.

A Mission Rooted in North America

The California mission followed the first SNJM foundation in the United States, established in Oregon in October 1859—just 16 years after the Congregation was founded.

It reflects the vision, courage, and dedication of the early missionaries, who responded to the educational needs of their time with faith and determination.

Today, this history continues to inspire and stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of the SNJM to education—across North America and around the world.

Photo source: SNJM Archives Department

First convent — G05-F-01-03-03