Sister Arrianne Whittaker entered the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 2012. At the time of this recording, she is 29 and a temporarily professed Sister of Providence. In the video clips below, she shares some of her recent experiences of discerning and entering the Sisters of Providence.
“I just remember having a dream and waking up with the feeling that I was supposed to investigate being a woman religious.”
“You’re not alone. You’re with your companions on the journey.”
“I think as soon as they saw that I was happy and that I felt like I belonged, they were fine with it.”
“I’m still my mother’s and my father’s daughter and I’m still my sisters’ and my brother’s sister. But I have another kind of primary support group as well.”
“I really felt — it was more of a feeling than a cognitive thinking it out — it was just a feeling of, yes, this is where I belong. I belong here. I belong as a part of this story.”
Sister Arrianne tells about the process of formation as a Sister of Providence. Postulant, canonical novice and mission novice years and what happens during each one.
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About Sister Arrianne
Current ministry: first-year medical school student at Marian University in Indianapolis
Least favorite subject in school: I really liked all of them but am really clumsy so always got hurt in gym class!!!
Favorite movie: North and South BBC Miniseries
Qualities I most admire: being a good listener
On weekends I love to: go on a hike
Favorite hero/heroine: Mary Magdalene
Favorite childhood activity: playing with our family cat Indy
Favorite TV program: Madam Secretary, Code Black, and Downton Abbey
Favorite pizza topping: black olives
I am passionate about: taking care of our Mother Earth
One thing most people don’t know about me is: I took ballet lessons for nine years when I was younger.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of God is: a colorful sky at sunset!!
Favorite music/song: anything by Carrie Newcomer or Peter Mayer
Favorite dessert: ice cream
Favorite season: winter
Favorite vacation spot: northern Wisconsin
My favorite thing about Saint Mary-of-the-Woods is: a campfire with friends down at St. Joseph’s Lake
Favorite saint: Mother Theodore Guerin, of course!
Favorite course in school: Biology
Three things that are sure to make me smile are: remembering that I can sleep in the morning, when I come to class at 8 a.m. and my favorite professor is lecturing, when friends visit me or I get to visit them.
Favorite form of prayer: anything involving art and color
My good friend says I’m: not your average nun [/sp_atpbox]
“There’s a lot of life here.” Sister Arrianne tells about life as a Sister of Providence.
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Arrianne,
You did a great job on this presentation! I think one of the strengths of the Sisters of Providence is honoring the gifts and talents each person brings. Blessings on continuing to follow your dream of being a doctor and an SP!