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.
“You may not live to see it, but you will have sown the seed.”— Matthew 13
Shortly after the death of Sister Joyce Brophy, SP, a former student and colleague pledged a monthly donation in her honor.
“How can anyone know that I was taught by the Sisters of Providence?” she asked.
“I still bow my head reverently when I say ‘Jesus.’
I cover my face completely after Communion, to say my prayers of thanks.
If anyone would ever use a clicker in church, I would genuflect, and not move until I heard the clicker again.”
The writer is only one of the many who want us to know how their education with the Sisters of Providence made a difference in their lives. Using the “Contact a Sister” form on our website, they share their memories and gratitude for their Sister of Providence teachers.
Sharing Memories
A former student of Sister Lucille Lechner, SP, writes: “I was a student of St. John the Baptist, Whiting, Indiana, when sister taught there in 1970-71. I always respected sister’s no-nonsense, firm approach to our shenanigans. I may not have liked it at the time but looking back, it was what was needed in my life. I’d like to thank her for her part in the adult I became.”
Sister Lucille Lechner with students during her days ministering as a teacher.
Some share the ways certain subjects changed their lives. “Sister Marie Esther Sivertsen, SP, was my Latin teacher in 1995. I just wanted to thank Sister Marie Esther for helping to instill in me a love of languages. Currently, I’m learning Italian. My younger son took Latin in high school too!”
Now a published author, a former student of the late Sister Vincentia Lang, SP, remembers his years in Cathedral Elementary School in Indianapolis in the 1960s. “Sister Vincentia taught me to be a better student in mathematics [and] geography and to appreciate classical music. She also taught me basic writing skills. Thank you, Sister Vincentia!”
The “Younger” Grades Matter
First grade teachers seem to hold a special place in the hearts of their no-longer-young students.
Remembering Sister Mildred Giesler, SP, now the oldest Sister of Providence at 100 years old, a former student writes: “I was in your first-grade class at St. Francis Borgia School in Chicago in 1957. I think about you often and now in my retirement I want to thank you for your efforts in our first-grade class.”
Some remember school principals, like Sister Margaret Maureen Verdeyen, SP, who served at St. Andrew School in Chicago during the 50s and 60s. “She administered with dignity and held great regard for the people around her. I remember she loved to sing. She always had a cheery and peppy disposition. Her enthusiasm was encouraging and a joy to have experienced.”
The late Sister Margaret Maureen Verdeyen (right) with her sibling, the late Sister Francis Regina Frances.
It is heartening to know that seeds sown long ago still bear fruit and that Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s mission lives on in the thousands of students who once sat banging their heels against desks in Sister of Providence schools.
Sister Janet Gilligan is a volunteer in the Sisters of Providence Archives. A retired English professor, she enjoys her role as an archivist — answering queries, writing grants, and learning how to digitize collections.
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