History Timeline 1926-1965
Learn how the Sisters of Providence and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods evolved during the mid-20th Century.
Administration of Mother Mary Raphael Slattery
Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, promised at end of World War I, dedicated.
The sisters open their first mission in California in 1928. In 1930, they start a high school at St. Mary’s for girls interested in becoming sisters. They start to make a clearer division between the sisters and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College too. During these years, schools are opening and closing all of the time. The sisters are very busy! In 1963, four sisters leave to teach in Arequipa, Peru.
First mission on west coast established in California
Great Depression begins with Stock Market Crash
For much of the early 20th century, the Sisters are self-sustaining. Gardens, livestock and a working bakery provide much of the sisters’ food, and laundry is done on-site. Many men and women work and live at the Woods too. There is also a coal mine at St. Mary’s from 1892-1954. For a brief time, the mine is taken over by the US government for the war effort.
High school (Aspirancy) established at the Woods for girls interested in religious life
During this time, two new books tell about Mother Theodore’s life. One is a biography and one is a history about the early days of the Sisters of Providence. In 1937, Journals and Letters of Mother Theodore Guerin is published too. This all makes Mother Theodore better known. In 1956, Pope Pius XII signs a document saying the cause for sainthood can continue.
Administration of Mother Mary Bernard Laughlin
Centenary Year of the Foundation in America
Our Lady of Lourdes wing added to Infirmary. It includes a dental office.
United States enters World War II
Coal mine taken over by US government to aid in the war effort
Death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
X-ray machine installed in dental office
World War II ends in Europe (VE Day) and in Japan (VJ Day)
In September 1920, six sisters led by Mother Marie Gratia Luking go to China to start a new mission. They want to educate women in Kaifeng. Ching I Middle School is the first success. In 1930, the sisters start a group of native Chinese sisters called the Providence Sister Catechists. World War II is very hard for the sisters in China. Some are imprisoned in a camp. After the war they move their mission to Taiwan. The school they start there later becomes Providence University.
Mission in China relocates to Taiwan
Administration of Mother Marie Helene Franey
Korean War begins, ending in 1953
Dogma of the Assumption proclaimed
Intercom connects the Church of the Immaculate Conception with Lourdes, the Infirmary and Community Room
First National Congress of Religious of the United States is held at Notre Dame
In the mid-20th century, sisters are able to play important roles in education, art and music. They make sure their voices as strong and smart women are heard. Individual sisters help to found the Catholic Art Association in 1937, to create the To God through Music educational program in 1953, and to have their artwork shown in museums. Other sisters have articles and books published too.
First Marian Year in history takes place
Sisters of Providence continue to show their strong devotion to God. They install new Stations of the Cross statues in 1937 in Sacred Heart Grove. Later Pope Pius XII declares that 1954 will be a special year devoted to Mary. This Marian Year, the first in history, leads to a new Fatima shrine across from Le Fer Hall.
Administration of Mother Gertrude Clare Owens
Formal consent given to introduction of the Cause for Canonization of Mother Theodore
Sputnik launched by the USSR
New Novitiate dedicated, later named Owens Hall
Administration of Mother Rose Angela Horan
Title of “Mother” conferred on Sister Marie Gratia Luking as foundress of the Providence Sister-Catechists in China
Vatican Council II begins, ending in 1965
In the 1950s, Sisters of Providence begin to talk more with other types of sisters and with other people in the Church about what it means to be a sister. A Sister Formation Conference forms to help sisters have good ways to learn about their faith. The sisters change parts of their habit to be more practical in daily life. In 1962, Pope John XXIII calls for a special meeting called the Second Vatican Council to discuss a renewal of faith among Catholics.
Mission in Peru undertaken at request of Pope John XXIII
Sisters of Providence give Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College the title to its property and buildings
Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
Civil Rights Act passed
In 1844 Mother Theodore witnessed the selling of slaves in New Orleans. She wrote about how she wished she could free them. She also cared for the poor and underserved. In the mid-20th century, the sisters follow her legacy. In 1937, they integrate St. John’s Academy in Indianapolis. Later, other schools become more equal too. Soon the sisters are even more involved with Civil Rights work.
First troops sent to Vietnam. Several current and future Sisters of Providence serve.
Perfectae Caritas, the Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life, released by the Vatican