In 1868, six young Sisters of the Holy Names traveled from Canada to California. After a 25-day journey via ships and train, they arrived in San Francisco on May 10. The weary travelers were welcomed by the Sisters of Mercy with strawberries and cream, which became an annual tradition known as Strawberry Day.
Participate in our Strawberry Day Sweepstakes!
Sweepstakes Drawing – May 8, 2026
This year, all tickets must be submitted by mail.
No online ticket purchases will be accepted.
All tickets must be received by May 7, 2026, at 3 p.m.
in order to be a part of the Sweepstakes Drawing on May 8, 2026.
Need More Tickets?
You may download a print-at-home set of tickets to the Sweepstakes here.
Our mailing address for tickets is: Sisters of the Holy Names, PO Box 398, Marylhurst, OR 97036-0398.
For more information, please contact Paula Baez at (408) 395-2868.
This Year’s Funds Will Benefit…
SNJM Sisters of Lesotho and Their Ministries
In 1931, six Sisters of the Holy Names from Canada and the U.S. embarked on a treacherous journey by sea to Basutoland, now present-day Lesotho. Their early ministry laid the foundation for the current work done by 75 Basotho SNJM Sisters. From the beginning, the Sisters have responded to the need for quality education and health care in this impoverished Southern African country. In 2001, the SNJM Sisters established a preschool in Mazenod, Lesotho. The school expanded in 2012 to become St. Ambrose Pre-School and Primary School, which currently serves 250 students, including 78 boarders.
While St. Ambrose is well-established, the school still requires further development to better serve the students. It has a boarding facility that enables children who could not otherwise travel from home to attend school each day. The boarding area requires a separate kitchen, stove, cupboards, a dining room, tables and a shower room. The school also needs playground equipment such as slides and swings. Two classrooms need to be completed, as they currently only have foundations. Additionally, a hall is needed as a gathering space for various activities.
Strawberry Day is a cherished SNJM tradition rooted in California. Today, we invite you to join us in offering a helping hand to our Lesotho Sisters and make a difference in the lives of children where resources are extremely limited. As the saying goes, “it takes a village.” We can be a part of that village!
Retired Sisters
The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary have dedicated their lives to serving others by educating children, advocating for justice, caring for the vulnerable and strengthening communities around the world. Their work has touched countless lives, often in quiet, humble ways that never sought recognition, only making an impact. Today, many of these Sisters are retired. Although their roles may have changed, they continue to carry the SNJM mission forward through prayer, presence and ministry.
After decades of service, they now face the common challenges of aging: increasing healthcare needs, housing changes and daily living support. Some Sisters live independently, while others reside in assisted-living or full-care communities. Retirement may look different for each Sister, but the need for compassionate, dependable care remains constant.
A gift supporting the Sisters in their retirement is more than a donation, it is a way to honor their lifelong commitment to faith, service and community. Your contribution helps provide stability and support, ensuring that their remaining years are lived in comfort and security.
Please consider joining us in this vital ministry of care. Your generosity helps ensure that the Sisters who have given so much are supported and cherished in return.