Newsnotes

Pilgrims walk to The Woods!

On June 7, eight pilgrims began an 80-mile journey from Indianapolis to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Led by Jim Recasner and Monica Robinson, the group began its trip passing through the Holy Door of Mercy at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis. Their five-day journey included stops at the Knights of Columbus Mater Dei Council, St. Susanna in Plainfield, Mount Meridian in Putnam County, St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greencastle, Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Brazil, and St. Patrick Church in Terre Haute. During the trip, the group read about Saint Mother Theodore and prayed for her intercession. Upon arrival at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on June 11, the weary travelers were warmly welcomed in Providence Hall by a large group of sisters. The pilgrims finished their journey visiting the sacred spaces, including the Shrine.

Mother Marie Gratia Luking remains transferred

Sisters of Providence in Taiwan (from left) Mary He, Donna Marie Fu, Delan Ma, Celeste Tsai and Sophia Chen with the cremains of Mother Marie Gratia Luking

In 1919, then Sister Marie Gratia Luking (1885-1964) was chosen to lead a group of sisters on a mission to China. In 1920, the group of sisters arrived in Kaifeng, China, and began a ministry, eventually settling in Taichung, Taiwan. Sister Marie Gratia was bestowed the title “Mother” in 1960 because of her role as foundress of the Missionary Sisters of Providence. In January 2016, her remains were moved from a grave in a cemetery in Taichung. The remains were cremated and placed in the cemetery of the Missionary Sisters of Providence.

Sister Joni Luna makes first vows

Congratulations to Sister Joni Luna who made her first vows as a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on June 26, 2016. Sister Joni is a native of San Antonio, Texas. She currently ministers as athletic director and physical education/religion teacher at Saint Patrick School in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Sisters of Providence celebrate Jubilees!

On Saturday, June 25, 2016, four Sisters of Providence celebrated their Jubilees. Sisters Cathy Campbell, Mary Jo Piccione and Linda Thompson all celebrated their 50th Jubilee, while Sister My Huong Pham celebrated her 25th. On hand for the celebration included (front, from left) General Officer Sister Mary Beth Klingel, Sister Cathy, Sister My Huong, General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson, (back) Sister Linda, General Officer Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, General Officer Sister Jenny Howard, Vicar/General Officer Sister Lisa Stallings and Sister Mary Jo.

(Originally published in the Fall 2016 issue of HOPE magazine.)