MISHAWAKA – The Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc. announced Monday that the hospitals it operates will now be known as Franciscan Alliance.

            “Franciscan Alliance is the perfect pairing of two words to create a meaningful, memorable name that affirms our promise to continue Christ’s ministry in our Franciscan tradition,” said Sister M. Jane Marie Klein, chairwoman of the board. “… with this new name, we expect to broaden awareness of the system’s comprehensive, high-quality health care services and highly regarded compassionate care.”

            Klein said the name change was made only after “many months of intensive research.”

            The change will take effect immediately and the words “Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc.” will be replaced by “Franciscan” at all hospitals and health care centers in early 2011, said Kevin Leahy, president and CEO of Franciscan Alliance.”

            Hospitals in the group at St. Anthony Medical Center, Crown Point; St. Anthony Memorial Health Center, Michigan City; St. Clare Medical Center, Crawfordsville; St. Elizabeth East and St. Elizabeth Center, Lafayette; St. Francis Hospital and Health Centers, Beech Grove, Indianapolis and Mooresville; St. James Hospital and Health Centers, Chicago Heights, Ill., and Olympia Fields, Ill.; St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, Hammond and Dyer; and Franciscan Physicians Hospital LLC, Munster.