Anne Thérèse Guérin: 20 Years of Sainthood

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Mother Theodore Guerin’s canonization in Rome on October 15, 2006. Anniversaries invite us to remember with gratitude the people, places and moments that have shaped the years between then and now.

As we celebrate this milestone, we pause to recall how Mother Theodore’s life and legacy continue to be honored across Indiana, the nation and beyond.

Over the past two decades, Saint Mother Theodore has been remembered in many beautiful ways. Sculptures and statues of her stand at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and in other Indiana locations, including Terre Haute, Fort Wayne, Jasper and Georgetown; Des Plaines, Illinois; Washington, D.C. and in Ruillé-sur-Loir, France.

Artists from near and far have portrayed her in paintings, icons, stained glass, murals and other works that help tell her story to new generations.

Her memory has also been honored through community events and educational efforts. Children created artwork in her honor through youth art contests. Books, plays, musicals, prayer cards and other devotional items have shared her story widely. Sisters of Providence continue to portray Mother Theodore for groups and gatherings, helping others encounter her courage, faith and love.

Public recognition has also grown. Indiana erected a historical marker near the Lourdes grotto at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, and highway signs direct travelers to the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.

Highway 150 from Terre Haute to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods now bears her name. She has been named a Pioneer Founder of Indiana, included in Terre Haute’s Local Legends Walk of Fame, and honored in other ways, both civic and religious.

Media coverage helped bring Mother Theodore’s story to an even wider audience. Terre Haute television stations covered her canonization from Rome, and special features highlighted her life and mission, while a CNN documentary introduced her to many more people. She was also named co-patron of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana.

And, of course, there is the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods — a place of prayer, pilgrimage and grace that continues to inspire visitors with her enduring spirit and witness.

Remembering these honors is important. But this anniversary is not only about looking back. It is also about looking ahead.

Regrettably, Saint Mother Theodore is the only American saint not yet included in the national Catholic Church liturgical calendar. The Sisters of Providence hope to help change that.

With the help of Michael Heinlein, author and editor from Fort Wayne, the Congregation is gathering evidence of Mother Theodore’s public devotion in the United States beyond Indiana, hoping to expand her following.

Heinlein was commissioned by Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson to assist him and the Congregation in this effort. Ultimately, Archbishop Thompson will make the request that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops place Saint Mother Theodore on the calendar.

In what seems like a providential moment, while Heinlein was doing research in the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Archives, it was discovered that a limited number of Mother Theodore’s bones had been secured there.

The distribution of first-class relics is one important way to encourage devotion to a saint. It is hoped that relics might be shared first with bishops in Indiana and then more broadly in the many places across the United States and elsewhere where Sisters of Providence have served.

So, we ask for your help. Our readers span many states and countries. If you have seen evidence of devotion to Saint Mother Theodore where you live — through prayer groups, parish celebrations, artwork, stories of favors received or other signs of her influence — please share that information with our Executive Assistant, Jessica Woodruff at jwoodruff@spsmw.org.

Let us not only remember Saint Mother Theodore with gratitude and continue to act with love, mercy and justice, but also work to make her known and loved so that others may be inspired and filled with hope.

Originally published in the summer 2026 issue of HOPE magazine.