Eastern Market is one of the most iconic spots in Detroit. Opening in 1891, the market has provided fresh produce for the community for over 130 years. Thousands of families visit for not only nutritious foods, but plants, jewelry, clothing, baked goods, and more all provided by local vendors.

Lisa Rush, co-author of the book, 𝘋𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘏𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵, gave us a deep dive into the market’s history. She described the first farms that contributed to the market called ribbon farms that used to line the Detroit River. If you can imagine, at one point, there were farms that stretched up to three miles long and about 250-400 feet wide perpendicular to the Detroit River. The close proximity to the river made commerce, communication, and access to water for the farms more efficient. Some of the owners of those farms' names can be seen on some street signs today like Beaubien and St. Aubin. As Lisa shared, the German immigrants and Italian were a few of the many that created small cottage businesses serving the surrounding neighborhoods.

After we spent time at the market, we spent the rest of the afternoon at Deo Gratias Ministries. Their mission is to provide unconditional hospitality for those in need. They have a cafe room where they serve coffee, other beverages, and snacks which allows for their members to sit and chat in a safe space with people in their community or with the Sisters running the facility. There is an art room where students can explore their creative abilities, and there is a small shop where members can take home free food, drinks, and other necessities for living for themselves and their families.

The Co-Director at Deo Gratias is Sister Felicity Marie Madigan who has been a Felician sister for 20 years. Sister Madigan started out as a medical assistant but had always thought about joining religious life. It wasn’t until her father’s passing after battling with cancer for 12 years that she decided it was time to do so. Her dedication and wholehearted compassion and care is certainly something to be noted.

We then gathered some historical information on the Felician sisters from Co-Director at Deo Gratias, Sister Shelley Marie Jeffrey. As she stated, the Felician sister roots come from Poland where their foundress Blessed Mary Angela was born. Most of the Felician ideologies stem from St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan order, just like our friend Blessed Solanus Casey.

We look forward to sharing these stories of Detroit’s history and the Sisters who are such an integral part of the churches.