Congregation centenary treasures

One of the boxes in the Sisters of Providence Archives has treasures from the 100th anniversary of the Congregation in 1940. There are several novelty items that were given away as part of the celebration. One of the most unique is the “Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in a Nutshell.” One artifact was lovingly made by a sister.

“The Path Marked Out: History of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Volume III” by Sister Mary Roger Madden gives a little glimpse into the celebration:

“The first term of office of Mother Mary Bernard [Laughlin, 1938-1948], who succeeded Mother Mary Raphael [Slattery, 1926-1938], was highlighted by the centenary of the Congregation’s founding, celebrated by the sisters in the summer of 1940 and by the College in October of the same year. The advent of World War II had not yet cast its shadow over the United States. But after December 7, 1941, the Congregation, like the rest of the country, experienced the limitations of war-time. Rationing of food and travel kept the sisters on mission during the summer of 1943. Subsequent summers, however, found them once more attending classes and making retreats at the Woods.” (page 571)

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