Welcome Providence Jack Francis!

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, are happy to announce the birth of the newest member of our alpaca herd at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence.

Providence Jack Francis was born on Sept. 18. His mother, Spring, is an alpaca the Congregation acquired a few years ago from a nearby farm. His father is Providence Pere.

Staff members arrived at the barn in the morning of Sept. 18, to find Providence Jack Francis standing near his mother. He weighed 10 pounds and two ounces. On average, the weight of a newborn alpaca is approximately 15-17 pounds. However, Providence Jack Francis is doing well and has gained weight since his birth.

The name Jack was inspired by longtime White Violet Center farm volunteer, Jack Worley, who has assisted with the alpacas for more than 10 years. Francis was chosen as a nod to Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.

The Sisters of Providence from Ruille-sur-Loir where Congregation foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, spent her initial formation, were also founded by Jacques Francois Dujarie. The English translation of the name is “Jack Francis.”

All are invited to come out to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to meet Providence Jack Francis and the other alpacas!