The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are a community of vowed Catholic women religious. Inspired by our foundress Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, we are passionate about our lives of prayer, education, service and advocacy.
Spirituality and justice go hand-in-hand. We are committed to walking with those on the margins. Join us on our journey to make Earth better for all.
We all need a little spiritual inspiration sometimes. Let the wisdom of our Providence Community support you on your journey.
From the moment you step onto the grounds at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, you know you're somewhere special. There's something for everyone at the Woods.
Reconnect or find new opportunities with the Providence Community. Volunteer in one of our many ministries, be an intern on the farm, explore job opportunities or reminisce about your alma mater.
Live joyfully! Single, Catholic women ages 18-42 are invited to explore a fulfilling life as a Sister of Providence. All women and men of faith are invited to join the family of Providence as Providence Associates.
Home » Archives for Joanna Dailey
Story
There was no Wabash Avenue bridge. The crossing of the Wabash was made by ferry—probably a flat-bottomed open raft. Arrival on the other side was followed by a carriage ride through the river bottoms on and at times wholly submerged plank road—a soggy, wet, carriage ride during which the horses were at times literally swimming, with water up to their necks. The carriage tipped sideways twice, its wheels caught on tree roots. Later, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin would write, “When one has nothing more to lose, the heart is inaccessible to fear.”
Story
“Take My Hand,” a retreat for Providence Associates, based on the writings of Saint Mother Theodore, was a special retreat. It reached into the story of Mother Theodore and brought it forward to our lives in the present, shares Joanna Dailey of the March 2014 Providence Associate retreat at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
Joanna Dailey is a Providence Associate who lives in Terre Haute, Indiana. She works as an editor and staff writer at Saint Mary's Press in Winona, Minnesota. Of the Providence Associate relationship Joanna says, "I enjoy being among like-minded people to whom you do not have to explain a pursuit of life in the Spirit."