Saint Mother Theodore: The real woman behind the image

I find this image of Mother Theodore very compelling. Because it hangs in my work space, I see it often. For me the image conveys an entirely different way to know Mother Theodore.

This isn’t the iconic formal portrait of Mother Theodore. It is not the grey, grainy daguerreotype giving us the most accurate way she looked. It is not the free flowing Mother Theodore surrounded by tiny white violets. This isn’t the Mother Theodore the bronze statue depicts as she strides along on her way to whatever awaits her.

No. This is Mother Theodore burdened by worries. This is Mother Theodore wondering where she will find the money to feed her sisters, build a convent and a school. This is Mother Theodore concerned about neighbors who are ill. This is Mother Theodore being shunned because she was a Catholic. This is Mother Theodore locked in the bishop’s residence as he attempted to remove her from her role as general superior. This is Mother Theodore grieving after the death of her dearest friend, Sister St. Francis Xavier.

This is Mother Theodore in an unguarded moment. A moment of doubt, extreme fatigue and loneliness.

This is Mother Theodore who understands the burdens we carry because she carried them herself.

This is Mother Theodore whose humanity and steadfast belief in Providence made her a saint.

This is Mother Theodore who companions us in all circumstances as we haltingly walk our paths to becoming saints.

Saint Mother Theodore, continue to love us and give us courage to face what life requires us to face. Help us to grow in faith in “that Providence that thus far has never failed us.”

This reflection originally ran in the May edition of the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin email newsletter. If you would like to receive similar stories and inspirational messages centered around Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, subscribe now.