- About
-
-
Love, mercy, justice
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.
-
-
- Justice
-
-
Break boundaries, create hope
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.
-
-
- Be inspired
-
-
What inspires you?
We all need a little spiritual inspiration sometimes. Let the wisdom of our Providence Community support you on your journey.
-
-
- Visit
-
-
Experience the Woods
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.
-
-
- Get involved
-
-
Where do you fit in?
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.
-
-
- Join
-
-
Join the Providence Family
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.
-
-
- Prayer Requests
- Contact us
- Donate

Statue dedication at All Saints Cemetery
Sisters of Providence, Providence Associates and Candidate-Associates and friends gathered at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Ill., on Sept. 29, 2009, for the dedication of a new Saint Mother Theodore Guerin statue created by Providence Associate and artist Teresa Clark. Presiding at the dedication was Cardinal Francis George, OMI, archbishop of Chicago.
“I was asked by the director of the Chicago Catholic Cemeteries to create a statue for All Saints Catholic Cemetery as a memorial to Mother Theodore. Since Mother Theodore and her sisters were known primarily as teachers, they wanted the memorial to depict education,” said Teresa.
The beautiful statue features Mother Theodore with two young girls. Two quotes from Mother Theodore appear on the front and back of the statue. On the front is “Love the children first, then teach them.” On the back is “You will see many things in a new light if you give the Holy Spirit free access to your minds and your hearts.”
Teresa explains about her work: “Mother Theodore pointing, with the two girls looking at what she was pointing at, was the way I chose to depict her as educator. Girls were used because that is who she primarily taught. I wanted to portray education in a broad sense, leaving it up to the viewer to fill in what she is showing the girls. I also hoped to capture her caring, compassionate approach to education. My inspiration for this sculpture was from Mother Theodore’s own words, ‘Love the children first, then teach them.’
“It was very rewarding to see it all come together and to hope that through my work Mother Theodore might touch others as she has touched me,” said Teresa.




