Providential Connections: Sisters Abroad

During the 21st century, it seems that the world has become more connected. More and more countries, even some of the most remote, have improved systems of communication in their own countries and around the world. Despite the conflicts that continue to arise between countries, it seems that in many ways, we are becoming a global community.

Consecrated religious women, too, are thinking more globally. More and more, we refer to “a global sisterhood” as we continue to seek ways to minister and dream about the future of religious life. For the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, it is a call to be and experience Providence in the broader world. In recent months, some members of the Providence Community have done just that.

Ministering on a Global Scale

In June, Sister Jessica Vitente, SP, traveled to Rome as a member of the Leadership Collaborative, a U.S.-based group that fosters leadership skills among women religious, and whose emphasis has been on developing those skills in women religious under the age of 65. The gathering in Rome, which Sister Jessica helped plan, included nearly 200 sisters from six continents, some of whom met in Rome in person and others who joined by Zoom. Over the course of five days, the group met to connect, lament, hope and lead religious life into the future.

In December, Sister Jessica will be doing an immersion experience in Taiwan, where several of our sisters currently minister. Next spring, she will make her 30-day retreat in preparation for perpetual vows.

The Taiwan Miracle

One of our ministries in Taiwan is Miracle Home.

Begun in 2000 by Sister Delan Ma, SP, Miracle Home provides care for the elderly and disabled in Taishan.

Through the years, and more recently under the leadership of Sister Rose Chiu, SP, their services have continued to expand and include a senior service center and adult day care, a “Meals on Wheels” program, caregiver training, respite care and home health care. Having outgrown their current space, Sister Rose began making plans in 2018 for a new building, for which she began fundraising just as the pandemic occurred.

In early 2026, some members of the General Council will be traveling to Taiwan for the dedication of the building, to show our appreciation to our sisters in Taiwan for the many ways that Miracle Home takes Providence into the lives of the elderly.

Upfront Challenges

In July, the Sisters of Providence commissioned Sister Deborah Campbell, SP, to spend ten months in Madagascar, where the Sisters of Providence of Ruillé-sur-Loir, France, minister.

Her arrival, as the sisters were preparing to host their biannual regional assembly, retreat and Silver Jubilee celebration of six sisters, allowed her to meet all but two of the sisters in Madagascar.

Having been to Madagascar three times when she worked for Catholic Relief Services, Sister Deborah had met many of the sisters, but during her recent visit, she was able to observe firsthand the challenging conditions in which the sisters live and minister — no air conditioning, no fans, very rough roads and buildings open to the elements which allow “little creatures” to come in.

Over the two months that Sister Deborah was there, she was able to visit some of their ministries, including a chicken farm of 5,000 chickens, the proceeds of which are used to support some of the community’s other ministries.

Sister Deborah’s own ministry included teaching English to a few of the sisters, the postulants and aspirants, and to the children at the local three-classroom parish school.

Although she had hoped to minister in Madagascar for many months longer, the political unrest and violence in the country at the beginning of October dictated that she return to the United States for her own safety.

Overseas Associates

Soon after the Providence Associate Commitment Liturgy at the Woods in mid-October, Providence Associate Director Debbie Dillow traveled to Taiwan to receive four women from Taiwan as Providence Associates.

Sister Delan Ma had walked with these four women through their year of discernment and learning about the mission of the Sisters of Providence.
A fifth associate was welcomed in November. This marks the first time that the director has personally traveled to Taiwan to receive Associate candidates into the Associate relationship.

It was one way to personify/manifest the Associate relationship across two countries.

Worldwide Pilgrimages

In addition to her work as a pastoral minister in Chicago, Sister Sue Paweski, SP, has begun teaming with others to lead pilgrimages.
Recently, she returned from a pilgrimage to Gdansk, Malbrock, Czestahowa, Warsaw, Krakow and Prague. One of Sister Sue’s contributions was the creation of a booklet of daily prayers that corresponded to each day’s visit.

Not surprisingly, one of the memorable moments was their visit to Auschwitz. The horror of the terror and genocide that transpired on those grounds and beyond was palpable and life-changing for many members of the group.

Next fall, Sister Sue and a Lutheran pastor will lead an ecumenical pilgrimage to Spain and Portugal.

We are proud and blessed to have so many members of the Providence Community who behold and share the face of Providence across the globe.

Originally published in the winter 2026 issue of HOPE magazine.