Reflections on Shrine for Saint Mother Theodore

Hundreds of pilgrims traveled to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, on Saturday, Oct. 25, as the Sisters of Providence officially opened the Shrine for Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, giving people the chance to “Journey with a Saint.”

Sister Jan Craven, director of the shrine, conducted a press conference for media that attended the event prior to the opening.

“We are ecstatic that these crowds have come,” Sister Jan said. “We’re so happy. We couldn’t be more joyful. The future holds great promise here.”

An open house took place from 1 to 4 p.m., during which pilgrims toured the shrine. The sisters also offered a Taizé-style prayer gathering at 4 p.m., near the Log Cabin Chapel.

Providence Associate Peggy Balensuela helped guide pilgrims through the shrine during the open house. She said the day was “fabulous.”

“When Sister Jan asked me to offer tours in the shrine, I was ecstatic,” Peggy said. “There was such a wide variety of people. It really was fun. You could hear them say ‘Wow! What a journey that was!’”

Carl Bender, who also volunteered as a tour guide in the shrine, echoed Peggy’s sentiments.

“It was a wonderful day for the event,” Carl added. “I felt privileged to be able to honor the Sisters of Providence, who taught me all those years ago.”

The open house also attracted visitors from across the ocean, including Sister Martine Meuwisson, general superior for the Sisters of Providence of Ruille Sur Loir, France, the Congregation which sent Saint Mother Theodore to establish the Indiana mission.

“Arriving here was like a dream,” Sister Martine said. “To be at the place itself, it is powerful. You feel the spirit of the place. The message Saint Mother Theodore had, trust in Providence, is still a message for people today.”

In addition, Sister Theresa Wang, general superior for the Missionary Sisters of Providence in Taiwan, was also present for the opening.

Sister Nancy Nolan speaks with a group starting their tour of the Shrine.

Two Schulte high school alums are interviewed by a local television reporter Jon Swanter about their experience in the shrine.

Staff member Jena Thralls-Robertson chats with her mother, Kim Thralls, and her Aunt Carol Thralls during the Shrine opening.

Sister Dorothy Rache and a visitor.

Sister Editha Ben, center, meets a group of pilgrims ready to take a shrine tour.

Sister Kathleen Kelly chats with visitors preparing to tour the shrine.

Sister Nancy Nolan begins a tour with a group of visitors.

Sister Camille Neubauer and Sisters of Providence staff members meet a young man who wants to go on a shrine tour.

A group of vistors poses for a photo outside the log cabin chapel with Sister Ann Casper who is portraying Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.

The Thralls family, descendants of the family that first welcomed Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her companions into their home when they arrived in Indiana, enjoy a laugh while waiting to visit the shrine.

A young girl and her mother enjoy the timeline.

Sister Maureen Abbott, author of “New Lights from Old Truths: Living the Signs of the Times,” (left), along with Mary K. Doyle, author of “Saint Theodora and her Promise to God,” (center) and illustrator Phil Velikan signed copies of their work.

Gathered visitors learn about Saint Mother Theodore.

Sister Ann Casper visits with a guest as she portrays Saint Mother Theodore near the log cabin chapel on the opening day of the shrine.

“Saint Theodora and her promise to God,” illustrator Phil Velikan.

Visitors examine the new timeline.

Sister Kathleen Kelly explains a section of the shrine.

Visitors touring the shrine.

Sister Joan Slobig, foreground, explains information in the shrine.

Sister Martha Joseph Wessel, at left, greets visitors who gather in the shrine area to pray with Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.

A shrine visitor touches the coffin of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.

Generial Superior, Sister Denise Wilkinson during the prayer.

Guests gathered offer praise to those who have contributed to the shrine by way of applause.

Sister Lisa Stallings leads song at the prayer service while Julia Lopez-Kaley accompanies on flute.

Soon-to-be Providence Associate the Rev. Rebecca Zelensky of Terre Haute offers a reading during the prayer service.

Sisters Kathleen Mary Gay and Mary Esther Lane join in singing during the prayer service.

Sister Andre Panepinto at the prayer service.

Sister Linda Kaliker singing.

Sisters Martha Rojo and Janice Smith during the prayer service.

Sister Jan Craven

Sister Kathleen Desautels singing.

Sister Maureen Abbott, author of “New Lights from Old Truths: Living the Signs of the Times,” (right), along with Mary K. Doyle, author of “Saint Theodora and her Promise to God,” (left) chat before signing books for visitors.

Providence Associate Peggy Balensuela explains items in The French Room of the Shrine.

Sister Rosemary Borntrager explains a section of the Shrine to visitors.

A friend of Sister Ann Casper poses for a photo with her. She is portraying Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.

Dan and Ruth Thralls walk out of the Log Cabin Chapel.

The Thralls family, descendants of the family that first welcomed Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her companions into their home when they arrived in Indiana, take a photo with Sister Ann Casper who is portraying Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.

Sister Maureen Abbott, author of “New Lights from Old Truths: Living the Signs of the Times,” (left), along with Mary K. Doyle, author of “Saint Theodora and her Promise to God,” (center) and illustrator Phil Velikan signed copies of their work.

The many prayer requests left in the Shrine from visitors.

“When I saw it, I was so surprised,” Sister Theresa said. “It is gorgeous. There is so much history. It’s so beautiful.”

The shrine celebrates the life and mission of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and the Sisters of Providence. The first room depicts her life in France. The “ship” room displays the cabin she and her five companions traveled in across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States. Other rooms offer educational displays and various artifacts. The chapel area midway through the journey serves as the final resting place for Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.

The public is welcome to visit the shrine daily, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.