Look to the Future: Spread the Word
As a regular reader of HOPE, you have been celebrating along with the Sisters of Providence the 20th anniversary of Mother Theodore Guerin’s canonization in Rome, Oct. 15, 2006. In this third and final HOPE article remembering the people, places and moments that have shaped her life and legacy, we look to a future that will see her feast placed on the national liturgical calendar.
Evidence of Devotion
Evidence of worldwide devotion is found in testimonies given and relics requested from the Philippines, Portugal, Brazil, Madagascar, France, Nicaragua, Poland, Argentina, India, Israel, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Vietnam and throughout the United States.
Religious brothers and sisters, educators, parish leaders, healthcare workers and families alike have written to express how Saint Mother Theodore’s example of trust in Providence continues to guide their lives. Her story resonates across cultures and languages, demonstrating the universal appeal of her courage, perseverance and faith.
Continuing to Inspire
Beyond stories of healing and family life, Mother Theodore’s witness continues to inspire creativity, service and faith in new generations. A writer from the American Midwest recently shared that she is working on a novel exploring the lives of such resilient women.
She has drawn inspiration from the values embodied by the Sisters of Providence and the example of Saint Mother Theodore, which demonstrate how her legacy continues to shape lives in ways both visible and unseen.
Our sisters continue to make efforts to spread knowledge of and devotion to Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, seizing every opportunity to do so. Three sisters have more intentionally done so, and once again, we need our readers to “spread the word” about their ministries.
On the Road
During her ministry as Director of the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, Sister Jan Craven, SP, now retired from that position, welcomed thousands of pilgrims to the Woods. Yet, she is keenly aware that there are many people who know little about the eighth American saint. Many, many thousands more may never come to her Shrine due to distance or a variety of reasons.
Sister Jan pondered Mother Theodore’s words: “We cannot do our work if we all stay in the nest.” She came up with an idea: Take Mother Theodore on
the road!
She asked Sister Paula Damiano, SP, also recently retired from her ministry, if she would be interested in joining her. So, together they wrote a proposal, had it approved by the General Council and ventured outside the “nest.”
They’ve received invitations already from a variety of groups: Parishes, prayer gatherings, senior groups, alumni from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and other schools where the Sisters of Providence taught or parishes where they ministered.
The duo offers your choice of three programs, varying in length from 90 minutes, a full morning or afternoon or a day-long retreat.
Portraying Mother Theodore
Another of our sisters, Sister Susan Paweski, SP, has been portraying of Mother Theodore for nearly 25 years. She brings to life the saint’s story, complete with a Breton accent, and tailors the presentation to her audience: school children, church-sponsored adult events, nursing home residents, etc.
Sister Sue’s has given portrayals in the Midwest and from coast to coast. Tina Proctor of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Yorba Linda, California, noted, “This is without exception a ‘must see’ performance.”
In her presentation, the audience gets a sense of Mother Theodore’s determination, her dedication to mission and her deep love and care for her sisters, students and all whom she encountered.
Following a performance by Sister Sue, Lorraine Kirker in Langley, Washington, had this to say, “Hearing the saint’s own words and the story of her journey and struggles, as well as never faltering trust in Providence, resonates for our lives today.”
Persons interested in having Sisters Jan and Paula come to their group may contact them at LegacyOffice@spsmw.org or the Legacy Office of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin at 812.535.2926. To schedule a performance, contact Sister Sue at 312.909.7492 or at spaweski@spsmw.org.
Originally published in the Fall 2026 issue of HOPE magazine.
