History Timeline 1966–Today
The Sisters of Providence continue their mission of love, mercy, and justice.
Administration of Mother Mary Pius Regnier
Assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. This is a period of unrest in the struggle for civil rights.
First astronaut lands on the moon
With the end of Vatican II, many changes are happening in the Catholic Church. Sisters are encouraged to renew and adapt according to the Gospels, the original mission of their order, and the signs of the times. By 1969, the sisters have new rules for the process of becoming a sister. During these years, sisters begin to wear “street clothing” if they wish. They renovate the Church in the 1980s to meet new liturgy guidelines.
Mother Mary Pius announces she will henceforth be known as “Sister”
In the second half of the 20th century, the sisters have to close many of their schools or let others take charge of them. The sisters still find ways to follow their calls to teach. Sisters minister in tutoring, long-distance education, GED classes and more. They work with people of all ages, from small children to adults. The Sisters of Providence sponsored other schools and institutions.
President Richard Nixon forced to resign
Social justice has always been very important to the sisters. In the years following the Vietnam War, they are able to focus their ministry. Sisters participate in anti-war work, prison ministry, and anti-racism efforts. In 1974 the sisters help start 8th Day Center for Justice in Chicago. In later years, sisters even serve time in jail or on probation as prisoners of conscience because of what they believe in.
Sisters of Providence leave ministry in Peru due to unsettled conditions there
Administration of Sister Loretta Schafer
Work begins on the Positio, a documented account of the life, work and writings of Mother Theodore
Pope John Paul II visits the United States
Administration of Sister Ann Doherty
New health care facility dedicated
In the 1970s and 1980s, the role of women in the United States continues to change. Sisters begin to take roles in public policy, within the Church and in education. They often become the first woman to fill whatever roles they find themselves in. Individual sisters minister in many places. They serve as chancellors, presidents, committee members and leaders.
Computers installed in some administrative offices
Administration of Sister Nancy Nolan
Rededication of Church of the Immaculate Conception, renovated in accordance with Vatican II directives
Foley Hall demolished after much study and research
Providence College in Taiwan promoted to University status
Fall of the Berlin Wall
Special cross created from wood of linden tree planted by Mother Theodore
Sisters keep finding new ways to be closer to God. In 1990 they build Providence Center to welcome visitors to Saint Mary’s. Later they build a labyrinth at the Woods too. Sisters are involved in parish ministry, diocesan work, spiritual direction and retreats. They devote themselves to works of love, mercy and justice in service among God’s people.
Providence Center blessed as a welcoming and outreach center for visitors
War in the Persian Gulf begins
USSR formally ceases to exist on December 25
Sisters help people from all walks of life in the U.S. and in Taiwan. They work as social workers, counselors, case managers and caregivers. Some run food pantries and start social service organizations. Others work in Hispanic outreach or assist persons with physical and mental challenges. In the 1980s and ’90s, sisters start several new programs to provide low-income housing, elder care and services for families who need help.
Mother Theodore Guerin declared Venerable as first step toward canonization
In the 1980s the sisters begin a recycling program at Saint Mary’s. They also work with local and federal groups to make sure their forests are healthy. In 1995, the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice opens. It welcomes its first alpacas two years later. The sisters work very hard to return to their sustainable roots. They try to educate themselves and others about caring for Earth.
White Violet Center for Eco-Justice dedicated, with alpacas added in 1997
Administration of Sister Diane Ris
The sisters open a new health care building in 1983. It grows over the years and offers more services. In 1996 the sisters begin St. Ann’s Clinic to serve the poor in Terre Haute. Later they add dental services too. Sisters continue to take care of each other and of the people in their communities.
Cure of Sister Mary Theodosia Mug officially approved as miraculous
Providence Cristo Rey High School opens in Indianapolis
The first SP website is launched
Mother Theodore Guerin beatified in Rome by Pope John Paul II
Jubilee Year proclaimed as new millennium begins
Administration of Sister Ann Margaret O’Hara
On 9/11 the United States is attacked, beginning a new era
Mother Theodore Hall dedicated as new health care facility
United States attacks Iraq, initiating a war there
Second miracle approved by Vatican medical and theological consultants and Cardinals
Administration of Sister Denise Wilkinson
Starting in 1978, Sister Joseph Eleanor Ryan works hard to write the Positio. This is a detailed account of Mother Theodore’s writings. In 1992, Pope John Paul II gives Mother Theodore the title “Venerable.” The Vatican then says the healing of Sister Mary Theodosia Mug (back in 1908) was a miracle. The Pope names Mother Theodore “Blessed” in 1998. Later Phil McCord is healed of an eye condition: a second miracle! Pope Benedict XVI canonizes Saint Mother Theodore Guerin on October 15, 2006.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin canonized on October 15 by Pope Benedict XVI
First batch of Providence Associates commissioned
Volunteer Services program established
Apostolic Visitation visitors at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. The process is concluded by the Vatican in 2015.
The beginning of the 21st century sees many changes at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. In the 2010s, the Sisters renovate buildings including Providence Hall and Providence Center. Other buildings are decommissioned and adapted into new opportunities. New destinations include a replica log cabin chapel, Linden Leaf Gifts, and the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. The Sisters also begin offering many more events & programs for visitors.
Land ethic adopted and implemented
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College becomes co-ed
The Justice Coordinating Commission is established
Administration of Sister Dawn Tomaszewski
The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Historic District is listed in the National Register of Historic Places
Construction begins on St. Mary’s Senior Living in the former Owens Hall. In 2021, the facility opens for potential residents.
The global Covid-19 Pandemic creates challenges