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Introducing our new coordinator…

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Introducing Sister Mary Rita Griffin, who is in her 60th year as a Sister of Providence.

I write to you to introduce myself as the new Coordinator of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence, Queen of the Home. My parents had deep devotion to Mary and an oval-framed painting of Our Lady of Providence always graced the entrance to our home. For me it is now a special gift to be united with you in prayer to Our Lady of Providence as I visit her shrine each day to pray for your intentions and the challenges you or members of your family may face. I also want to share with you my joy this year as I celebrate my 60th anniversary as a Sister of Providence!

From 2005 to 2014, I served as administrative assistant at the Woods Day Care/ Pre-School and entered more deeply into the delights and the stresses of parenthood. This ministry deepened my compassion and respect for parents and their prayer needs.

One of my favorite thoughts about Our Lady of Providence is her title, Queen of the Home. As the Mother of Jesus, she is a mentor for family life. Mary and Joseph knew the joys of parenthood and taught their son to pray and read the sacred scriptures. Like so many mothers and fathers today, Jesus’ parents knew times of uncertainty and hardship, but trusted God’s loving Providence for guidance and protection. Because of this, parents feel closely connected to Our Lady of Providence and request her to intercede for their family’s needs.

I am honored to have this new position where I can continue to assist families in our times as they strive to nurture faith-filled, loving children with the support, guidance and protection of Our Lady of Providence. I invite you to join with other pilgrims from around the world who come to visit and pray at this National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence.

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Sister Mary Rita Griffin

Sister Mary Rita Griffin

My ministry is sharing spirituality with people especially through Our Lady of Providence related to family, prayer and spirituality. An important part of this ministry is responding to prayer requests through the internet with petitions coming not only from the United States but from countries throughout the world. Mary and Joseph knew both the sufferings and joys that surrounded the upbringing of Jesus and for this reason parents can count on the intercession of Mary as she interceded with her son at the Wedding of Cana.

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14 Comments

  1. Avatar Jennifer Calvert on February 24, 2015 at 8:08 am

    How wonderful. I was blessed to have the opportunity to interact with Sister Mary Rita when she was at the Woods Daycare. I am thrilled to see her appointed in another public post. She has the grace of a deer, the patience of an angel, and the wherewithal of a soldier of Christ. Congratulations!

  2. Avatar Marie Eckler on February 24, 2015 at 10:45 am

    Finally got to view long distance a face that is attached to the prayer request response!! Congratulations, Sister, and may Mother Theodore continue to intercede for all under your guidance!!!!!
    I would love to come and visit your new post one of these future days, but first the tremendous snows and below zero temps have to abate here in Massachusetts so Spring, which has never failed us, arrives.

    • Avatar S. Mary Griffin on February 25, 2015 at 9:30 pm

      Dear Re,
      When the weather warms up, I hope you can come on a pilgrimage from MA to the shrines of Our Lady of Providence and Saint Mother Theodore. Let me know ahead so I could make arrangements, if you like, for you to stay with me at Owens Hall where we have many guest rooms.
      May Our Lady of Providence continue to guide us,
      Sister Mary

  3. Avatar Christine on February 24, 2015 at 5:02 pm

    Congratulations, Sr. Mary, on your 60th Anniversary and your new position! All your old friends in the Friendship Place family here in DC miss you and send our love.

  4. Avatar Charity Easter on February 24, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    They couldn’t have chosen a more wonderful sweet caring passionate person! I miss seeing your happy face every morning. Congratulations!

    • Avatar S Mary Griffen on February 25, 2015 at 1:53 pm

      Dear Charity,

      Thank you for your loving response to my blog. I miss your morning smile and your laughter. I pray that your boys and your new life are becoming more wonderful each day. So grateful this blog connected us.

      Love and hugs,

      Mary

  5. Avatar Sharon Redford Gillmore on February 25, 2015 at 9:13 am

    Congratulations to Sister Mary Rita. Sister Mary is known to me as Sister Mary Paula. I met Sister Mary “Paula” in 1967, as she was introduced to me as my 7th grade teacher at St. Clements Lansdowne. She was the sweetest, kindest teacher I had ever known. I have stayed in touch with Sister Mary after all these years. Her teacher style and abilities encouraged me to enter into the world of teaching. I am truely so happy for Sister Mary. I know that God had guided her hand and heart right into her new position and I wish her well. She surely will touch all of the hearts and souls that have the pleasure to meet and work with her.
    Blessings Sister.

    • Avatar S. Mary Griffin on February 25, 2015 at 9:36 pm

      Hi Sharon,
      It has been such a gift to share your life’s journey as a college teacher, addictions counselor and life time student. But most of all your love of being a mother and grandmother! Our days together at St. Clements were exciting times with our lively partner, S. Mary Catherine.
      Hugs and love in Providence,
      Sister Mary

  6. Avatar Debbie Fifer on February 25, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    Congratulations Sister Mary, What a wonderful new adventure for you. Giuliana and I miss talking to you each day.
    Much love, hugs and blessings to you,
    Debbie

    • Avatar S. Mary Griffin on February 25, 2015 at 9:25 pm

      Debbie,

      I also miss talking with you and Giuliana and hearing your morning laughter as you would arrive together at the WDC/PS. My prayers are with you as you adventure into your new ministries in fields for which you have such gifts and dedication.
      Hugs, love and joy,
      Mary

  7. Avatar Janice Smith on February 25, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    Dear Mary Rita,
    You indeed are a gift of Providence to us all and now in this special ministry of the Shrine of Our Lady of Providence. Congratulations and may our Provident God and Mary be your constant support in this wonderful ministry.
    Blessings,
    Janice

  8. Avatar S. Mary Griffin on February 25, 2015 at 9:20 pm

    Janice,
    Thank you for your response and your prayer that our Provident God and Mary will be my constant support.
    It is so good when you and I are partners to offer communion services for the men at the prison.
    Blessings,
    Mary

  9. Avatar Tiffany Watson on March 1, 2015 at 5:50 pm

    I’m so pleased to see this, Sister Mary Rita! Despite our Woods Day Care roles having to change, I am honored to STILL work with you here at Providence Spirituality and Conference Center. Your enthusiasm inspires us each day!

  10. Avatar Dan Day on September 24, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    Congratulations to Sr. Mary Rita on her 60th anniversary and her new gig! I’m guessing she was the Sr. Mary Paula that taught 5th/6th grade at St. Francis Xavier (Old Cathedral) in Vincennes, IN. If so, I was her 5th grade student in 1963/64.

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