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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.
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- Justice
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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.
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- Be inspired
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What inspires you?
We all need a little spiritual inspiration sometimes. Let the wisdom of our Providence Community support you on your journey.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Comforting prayer

I’ve been a devoteé of the prayer of the rosary since I was a grade-schooler. I still pray the rosary (or most of it) nightly. I have even learned the Luminous mysteries introduced by Pope Benedict XV.
How I pray the rosary has changed over all these years – more than once. Some weeks I pray the mysteries in the recommended order – joyful, sorrowful, glorious, joyful, sorrowful, glorious, luminous.
Some weeks I pray the mysteries depending on what life is dishing out at the particular time; so I may pray joyful mysteries for days – or sorrowful or glorious or luminous.
Some weeks I pray each decade for someone for whom I’ve promised to pray – or for someone I’m worried about or happy for. Sometimes I choose a family I love and pray for each member by name.
One night, shortly after the General Council learned that the bell tower of our church is in very poor condition and would require almost one million dollars to repair, I just kept saying at the beginning of each decade “bell tower.”
Every once in awhile, I just hold the rosary.
No matter how I pray the rosary, it is always comforting for me. Repetitive prayer has that affect on us. I also know that for me, Mary remains a significant model and friend for me. Over the years, I’ve read quite a lot of Mariology – the study of her life and her spirituality. So, over the years, I’ve come to know her in a way that makes her seem a real, a multidimensional and vibrant saint of God, part of that communion of saints who surround and protect us.
“Blessed are you among women” indeed. I believe that two words in that descriptive sentence are equally true of Mary – blessed and among. May we continue to call on her, to be present with her.
St. Mary of the Woods, pray for us.
Our Lady of Providence, pray for us.
Friend and mother, pray for us.