Providence Associates’ Spring Retreat: A Joyful Time
Excitement filled the room as Providence Associates, Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, and friends of the Congregation gathered for the Providence Associate Spring Retreat, joyfully reconnecting before the retreat began.
This year’s theme, “Living Our Call Through Changing Times as Modeled by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin,” was beautifully led by Sisters of Providence Jan Craven and Paula Damiano. Through their guidance, participants were invited not only to reflect on their own call as associates and sisters, but also to encounter more deeply the life of a woman who faithfully embraced her call amid significant challenges and change.
A Special Space
The retreat created meaningful space for community, reflection and shared insight. Participants explored how the life of Saint Mother Theodore continues to guide us into an unknown future with faith and courage.
Associates who joined from a distance participated via Zoom, engaging in table discussions through breakout rooms. When all gathered to share their reflections, the collective insights brought a deeper richness and unity to the experience.
Connecting with the Spirit
Saturday evening offered a time of fellowship and relaxation as participants enjoyed popcorn and snacks while watching “A Woman for All Time.” The evening concluded with a brief discussion and prayer.
On Sunday, retreatants made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore, walking through Tile Hall and reflecting on the history of the community along the way.
Time spent in the various rooms of the Shrine allowed each person to connect personally with the spirit of Saint Mother Theodore, culminating in a quiet moment of prayer before returning for closing prayer together.
New Insights on a Saint
Reflections from the weekend captured the spirit of the retreat: “Fabulous weekend! Great connecting with new faces and reconnecting with previously known associates.” Another shared, “This was one of the best of our retreats … I came seeking respite from the chaos of our world and received far more than I anticipated. I leave with joy, gratitude and peace.”
Others described the experience as “filled with wonder,” noting that even those familiar with Saint Mother Theodore discovered new insights that brought her story to life in fresh and meaningful ways.
Our love for Saint Mother Theodore Guerin continues to deepen as we gather, listen and learn. Though we may know her story, each encounter reveals new “nuggets” of wisdom — reminders that her life and witness remain a guiding light for us today.
Originally published in the summer 2026 issue of HOPE magazine.
