Promoters of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
Several Sisters of Providences offer presentations about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.
The Life of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin: A one woman show
In her Saint Mother Theodore Guerin presentation, Sister Susan Paweski brings to life the saint’s story. Dressed in full habit of that time, Sister Susan Paweski enacts the character of Saint Mother Theodore, complete with a Breton accent! She weaves the story of this great saint from her childhood days on the Breton shores of France to her missionary work in Indiana. Sister Susan tailors the presentation to the audience, whether it is elementary school children, high school students or adults. The presentation is 30 minutes with a question and answer period afterward which often proves to be a lively participatory experience.
“I sat mesmerized while watching Sister Sue’s delightful portrayal of Mother Theodore Guerin. Her amazing one-woman act takes the audience back to the time of 1840. In a true authentic French accent, Sister Sue highlights the story of Mother Theodore from her calling in France to form a school in the United States, to the challenges she faced once she arrived in the rugged unsettled land. This is without exception a ‘must see’ for everyone!”
– Tina Proctor, St. Martin de Porres Parish, Yorba Linda, California
About Saint Mother Theodore
Pope John Paul II called Saint Mother Theodore Guerin a perfect blend of “holiness and humanness.” This amazing woman leader, educator, healer and writer left her home and ministry in France to venture into the pioneer Indiana wilderness in 1840. Her deep and abiding love and trust in God’s Providence helped her overcome poverty, prejudice, sexism and more as she established an academy for girls (which is today Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College) and a Congregation of Catholic sisters who live on today as the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the- Woods, Indiana. Get to know this holy, strong and very real woman.
“Sister Susan came to our school full of energy to tell us the story of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. The girls and boys were totally enthralled by the performance. They wanted her to come back the next week! Sister Sue also told us about the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the Woods. It was a fun religion class for all the grades.”
– Brother Lucian Knapp, cfc, Sacred Heart of Jesus, New York, New York
About Sister Sue
Sister Susan lives out the legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin as a member of the Congregation she founded. She professed perpetual vows as a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 2005. Sister Sue has worked as an educator from elementary to college levels. She has also served in college administration and admissions and for her Congregation’s Advancement office. Currently, she is a member of Staff and the Liturgical Minister St. Catherine of Siena St. Lucy, St. Giles Parish in Oak Park, Illinois.
“Wonderful experience! Sister Sue makes Saint Mother Theodore Guerin come alive. Hearing the saint’s own words and the story of her journey and struggles, as well of her never faltering trust in Providence, resonates for our lives today.”
– Lorraine Kirker, St. Hubert Catholic Church, Langley, Washington
Plan your presentation!
The presentation is 30-60 minutes, depending on the audience, with a question and answer period afterward which often proves to be a lively participatory experience. A suggested donation of $250 is requested for the performance. Materials can be sent in advance to prepare the audience for the presentation if requested. Prayer cards and brochures will be available for distribution after the presentation. Fill out the form below to ask Sister Sue any questions you may have or to request a presentation.
Contact Sister Susan
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Saint Mother Theodore Guerin on the Road with Sisters Paula and Jan
“Thus far, the discussions have been fascinating. Some people have a general notion of Mother Theodore Guerin, while others, even some living in Terre Haute, have never been to the Woods and know little about her.”
Sister Paula Damiano, SP
In 2025, Sisters Paula Damiano and Jan Craven approached the Congregation’s General Council with a project proposal to “widen the embrace of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s legacy.”
They continued: “The goals include encouraging visitation to the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, and promoting her as a saint for all people in all places, thus, moving her beyond a ‘regional saint’ to a ‘national/international’ saint.”
Eventually, the council approved of this project and Sister Jan and Sister Paula were off.
They have reached out to many parishes, particularly where the Sisters of Providence have had a “robust” presence. They have visited with these parishes and other denominational churches to enhance Mother Theodore’s legacy.
Sister Paula recalled the experience of visiting St. Benedict’s Parish in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the Orange Diocese in California.
“In California, meetings were with pastors and parish staff in order to set up future speaking engagements,” she said. “People are always fascinated by Mother Theodore Guerin’s life and her extensive writings – words of wisdom.”
During their presentations, Sisters Jan and Paula discuss Mother Theodore’s “words to live by,” in addition to little known facts about Indiana’s only Saint and how she relates to people’s lives today. They also discuss Mother Theodore’s humor, patience, spirituality and more.
About Sister Jan
Sister Jan hails from Ohio. She entered the Ursuline Community in Youngstown in 1968 but transferred her vows to the Sisters of Providence in 1981.
Prior to her current ministry, she served as the Co-Director of Providence Spirituality & Conference Center and as Director of Shrines at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
She also ministered as the Congregation’s Director of Postulants from 2004-2010.
About Sister Paula
Sister Paula entered the Congregation in 1967 and professed perpetual vows in 1974.
Prior to her current ministry, she served as the Co-Director of Providence Spirituality & Conference Center.
She has also served as a teacher, director of vocations, pastoral associate and was also a General Councilor for the Congregation.
Contact Sister Jan and Sister Paula
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