Tiny Saint Theodora Guerin now available

Persistence and Providence. That’s what it took to bring Tiny Saint – Saint Theodora Guerin into reality.

And Mary Clare and Phillip Dibb of Muskego, Wisconsin, had what it takes to make it happen.

The Vision

Mary Clare says the idea of having a Tiny Saint Mother Theodore created first came to her in 2020. Mary Clare had purchased many Tiny Saints charms over the years. She gave them as gifts — Baptisms, Confirmations and the like.

Mary Clare also had a love for Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. She graduated in 1974 from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC).

“Anyone, attending the college has the opportunity to get to know about Mother Theodore Guerin and learn about the foundress and about her story. I respected all that I learned about her: She had a strong work ethic and commitment to her sisters and mission. She learned to overcome challenges and obstacles in her life by leaning on her faith and the power of prayer. She had a unique sense of humor (I learned that from books about her.) And she knew the importance of educating students.” 

“We were very excited when she officially became Saint Mother Theodore Guerin — what an honor!” Mary Clare said.

Roadblocks, Hurdles

But the first several attempts at moving forward with the Tiny Saint project came up with roadblocks. Mary Clare first contacted her classmate from SMWC, General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski. She referred her to Linden Leaf Gifts. There were a few attempts made in the next few years to start the project. There was always an interest but unfortunately, there were timing issues, funding issues, etc. and the project didn’t get off the ground.

Then, a Providential connection came in June 2025 at the Sisters of Providence Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Donor Dinner at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Mary Clare and a classmate friend had gone into Linden Leaf Gifts to discuss the Tiny Saint Project again. She wanted to have Tiny Saint Mother Theodore on shelves by the 20th Anniversary of her Canonization in October 2026. While she was inside, her husband waiting outside happened to strike up a conversation with Diane Weidenbenner, a staff member in the Sisters of Providence Mission Advancement office. Mary Clare then met Diane. Diane thought she could help. This time they were on the right track.

But the work was not over. Mary Clare, with the support of Phil, spent more than a year collaborating with the representative at Tiny Saints and with Diane. When hurdles came up, she would feel the prodding of Providence to do more. To keep going. To put in the work.

A Project Comes to Life

Finally, on Aug. 19, 2026, Mary Clare and Phillip visited Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for the Tiny Saint-Saint Theodora Guerin unveiling. They presented Tiny Saints to the sisters and were present for the official unveiling of Tiny Saint – Saint Theodora Guerin in Linden Leaf Gifts.

“I was encouraged by the ‘providential’ things along the way that kept me going. I kept getting drawn back to this special project and found I could not give it up. That was my mission,” Mary Clare said.

Mary Clare says she hopes others hear about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin from this and learn from her and create a bond with her, as so many others have before them.

“I would encourage those interested in the Sisters of Providence and the story of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin to make a visit to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and spend some time at the Shrine of Our Lady of Providence and walk through the Museum and Shrine — the final resting place of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Once you know her, you will be inclined to spread her story and offer support to her mission also.”

“It is a blessing once again that Mother Theodore Guerin has arrived in Indiana, 186 years later — this time as Tiny Saint – Saint Theodora Guerin,” Mary Clare said.