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“I suppose I could survive without the Sisters of Providence, but I don’t see that happening. When you’re drawn, you’re drawn – and neither the Sisters nor I can move far enough away from each other to diminish the pull. Ever.”

Those who attend the official opening of the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin on Saturday, Oct. 25, will also have the chance to have some books signed. Mary K.…

It’s official! In just ten days we will have a brand new shrine for Saint Mother Theodore Guerin to share with the world, and we’ve got at least ten reasons…

This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Rosaline Secrest for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana. For more than 30 years, I have been…

This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Mel Marino Wolff for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana. There are so many ways in which…

Born at Le Mans, France, June 15, 1800, Sister St. Vincent would have been 40 when the sisters arrived in Indiana, making her older than everyone except Mother Theodore (who was two years older).

Described as a “lively, impetuous character,” Sister Basilide likely came from a family of above-average means, as she provided a dowry when she entered the congregation at Ruillé.

The sister who had, by far, the most physical labors at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods was Sister Olympiade. She came on the mission at Mother Theodore’s suggestion. The two had worked together at Soulaines, where Sister Olympiade served as cook and assisted Mother Theodore on visits to the sick.

The portraits below of our founding sisters are from a 1990 article by Sister Joseph Eleanor Ryan (RIP) in the former SP publication Community. We share the profiles of these sisters — each extraordinary in her own way — in celebration of all who devoted themselves to the work of Providence. These women were the roots of our tomorrow.

In the Sisters of Providence Mission Advancement office, Sister Liguori is a bit of a legend. She was the object of one of Mother Theodore’s funniest journal lines. During a storm on the Atlantic, Mother Theodore wrote:

Hospitality is a tradition the Sisters of Providence take to heart. Says one recent guest, “I soon found out that staying at Owens was like having 30 moms around me. I felt so safe, so accepted and secure. They even leave things at my bedroom door: a poem I might enjoy, a fresh-baked muffin, a cup of homemade soup, a book to read. They ask about my day.”

“Here, it is always like a rolling horizon. Sister Barbara has a way of gathering people and empowering them to fly,” says Cindy Richards, chief operating officer and property manager for the residences for Providence Self-Sufficiency Ministries..