Wherever one Sister of Providence is … we all are!
On Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 25, a large number of Sisters of Providence gathered in St. Joseph’s Chapel in Owens Hall to share in a simple prayer of “missioning” and blessing for Sister Arrianne Whittaker as she transitioned into her mission novice year.
Sister Arrianne shared these reflections:
“When I reflect on my experience of the missioning prayer ritual, it can be summed up in two words — sacred connection — a sacred time, in a sacred place, with a community of women who share a sacred spirit.
As we began the prayer service with our Prayer of Reunion I felt that sacred spirit surround me. I felt connected in a way I had not noticed before. Maybe it has slowly, unassumingly seeped into my bones over the past two and a half years, but this day it was very clear to me … I am a Sister of Providence!
As I leave this experience of the Canonical Novitiate, I do it nurtured by the love and support of my sisters, even those who have gone before us: Mother Theodore Guerin, our founding sisters and countless others.
Sister Arrianne Whittaker, center at right, was honored to be given a chaplet which belonged to a very special sister and mentor on her journey during a mission blessing recently.
During the ritual I was honored to be given a chaplet which belonged to a very special sister and mentor on my journey. This Sister passed away last year after a sudden and unexpected illness. As I held up the chaplet, and was being blessed by my sisters, I felt her presence there blessing me on my way.
I may be only one Sister of Providence engaging in one particular ministry, but the missioning prayer cemented for me the reality and gift of this life. Namely that we can never accomplish alone what we are called by God to do …. rather, we do it rooted in the love and connection which comes from our shared mission and spirit. As one wise mentor often has said to me: ‘wherever ONE Sister of Providence is, we ALL are.’”
Upon completion of her year as a canonical novice, Sister Arrianne now begins her mission novice year as she continues her discernment journey toward first profession of vows.
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Arriane- Congratulations on your Missioning, and God bless you! Your reflections so succinctly captured the very essence of who the Sisters of Providence are and always have been-and now you are, as you said, so cemented into the reality of that sacred connection with your sisters.
I have never met you, Arriane, and yet your reflections echo what I have heard for almost 40 years from so many of your spirited Sisters who continue to encourage me with their presence here on earth and from Heaven. You’ve got it, Arriane- looking forward to hearing more from you on your journey, thanks to the wonders of blogging- and Mother Theodore!
Way to go, Arrianne!! Congratulations on this new step in your journey. We all wish you the best and are very happy for you.
Jeannie Smith, PA
Thank you both. I am so grateful to be joined on the journey with so many amazing companions, including both of you!
Arrianne,
Congratulations! Even though I left the Community several years ago, I still feel very connected to the Sisters of Providence. I was part of the Jubilee group who entered in 1963. It was a great privilege to celebrate with them this summer. Those years with the SP’s helped make me who I am today, and proud of it! Jeannie Smith was one of my band members;-)
Wherever one Sister of Providence is … we all are! These are special words for me! I still have the Prayer of Reunion on my desk! It’s a powerful connection for me! This blog was very refreshing and the imprint of my formative years with the S+P is indelible on my life today! Praise the Lord for your “missioning” & God bless all of you!
Geri Herber, MD
Arrianne – It is so beautiful to hear that you are moving into your mission novice year. My thoughts and prayers are with you!!