The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are a community of vowed Catholic women religious. Inspired by our foundress Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, we are passionate about our lives of prayer, education, service and advocacy.
Reconnect or find new opportunities with the Providence Community. Volunteer in one of our many ministries, be an intern on the farm, explore job opportunities or reminisce about your alma mater.
Live joyfully! Single, Catholic women ages 18-42 are invited to explore a fulfilling life as a Sister of Providence. All women and men of faith are invited to join the family of Providence as Providence Associates.
A banner of Mother Theodore hanging from the top of St. Peter’s Basilica during the canonization ceremony.
The year 2026 will mark the 20th anniversary of Mother Theodore Guerin being declared a saint of the Roman Catholic Church.
Also 20 years ago, in February 2006, Sisters of Providence were asked by then-General Superior Sister Ann Margaret O’Hara, SP, to respond to the reflection question: “What are your hopes for the effect of the graces of the canonization on the Congregation?”
I reviewed that two-page document in preparation for writing this article and my first reaction was “Wow.” The document was replete with hopes, challenges, expectations, desires, hoped-for commitments, inspiration and resolve.
The Outcome
The review left me wondering, “So, how did we do? Did the effects play out in these past 20 years?” Of course, I can only speak to results that are tangible, that are verifiable, and have no way of knowing how hearts or minds or spirits have been touched in these 20 years. That being said, I was able to draw some conclusions along the lines of “verifiable and tangible.”
“We hope to touch many through ministries in partnership with other women and men. We minister with co-workers in a spirit of mutuality and justice. Mother Theodore’s vision and values inspire us.”
Providence Housing Corporation has a direct relationship with the canonization. It profited from a $50,000 Congregation gift to the Pope at the time of the canonization. The Pope was asked to return it to us so the Congregation could continue to finance low income housing for the elderly and somewhat “repay” the West Terre Haute community for its generosity in housing Mother Theodore and her companions when they arrived in 1840.
Today, in West Terre Haute, a community of 74 households sits on land originally purchased from a local couple. The corporation applies for federal and state funding and works with HUD. The corporation takes great pride in its affordability, the services provided and the sense of community fostered among residents.
Providence Miracle Home in Taiwan has been engaged in an extensive expansion project which they hope will be operative in early 2026. In the past 20 years it has grown significantly from its beginning serving approximately 113 people monthly to serving 450 people each month, as well as increasing services to the homebound.
The larger space will include a Café Shop and courtyard, open to community residents, welcoming people of all ages to enjoy the beautiful space. The public is welcome to rent the space for events and exhibitions. Sister Rose Chiu, SP, director, calls it a “recharging station where everyone can come in anytime to refresh their spirits. A place of unexpected encounters and sparks of new ideas.”
The new building will include a central kitchen where 80 additional lunch boxes can be prepared daily for seniors living alone. Expanded daycare space will serve 30 additional people with dementia and other disabilities.
Sisters of Providence and community gather for a blessing Mass after Mother Theodore was declared a Saint.
The Birth of New Ministries
Both the Providence Associate Relationship and a formal Providence Volunteers program were established in 2007 and continue to flourish today. Currently, 321 women and men, both in the United States and in Taiwan, are Providence Associates, with 24 candidate associates.
Volunteers number 40-50 serving in many different capacities at the Woods, from assistance with computers and phones, to visiting sisters in health care and doing receptionist duties, to name a few.
Another ministry that has grown since the canonization is Providence Health Care. In 2012, the skilled nursing facility was opened to the public. Fourteen years later, it continues to serve, with its mantra of “Experience the Healing.” A former resident said it well, “I am so grateful that we have such a wonderful facility right here in the Wabash Valley. Providence has been a blessing to my grandma and our family. She would not be where she is today without the compassionate nursing and therapy staff.” Stay tuned as HOPE explores other effects of the canonization in future 2026 issues.
Sister Ann Casper, SP, retired as the executive director for Mission Advancement for the Sisters of Providence in 2018 and currently serves as minister of Providence Community Cemetery at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. Sister Ann has ministered in various scholastic and administrative positions in Indiana and North Carolina. She also was a member of the Sisters of Providence leadership team, serving as General Secretary.
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