Sister Arrianne Whittaker
Sister Arrianne Whittaker entered the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 2012. Today, at age 29, she is a temporarily professed Sister of Providence. Sister Arrianne is currently a first-year medical student at Marian University in Indianapolis. In the video clips below, she shares some of her recent experiences of discerning and entering the Sisters of Providence.
Favorites and quick connects
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
“There’s a lot of life here.” Sister Arrianne tells about life as a Sister of Providence.
“I just remember having a dream and waking up with the feeling that I was supposed to investigate being a woman religous.”
“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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More quick connects with Sister Arrianne
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
Contact Sister Arrianne with your questions about becoming a Sister of Providence at awhittaker@spsmw.org
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Wisdom quotes
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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!