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Sister Denise Wilkinson

Content written by Sister Denise

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Shared roots: bonds that unite beyond culture, time and place

” I loved being the very place where Mother Theodore worshiped in her years of living in La Providence. To sit in this very simple chapel for hours refreshed and renewed me. There I experienced in a unique way the presence of Mother Theodore,” writes Sister Denise Wilkinson.

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Being ‘Home’ for Christmas

It seems to me that that new perspective created a home, a free space, a quiet space, a breathing space

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Everything about autumn can be spiritual

Something spiritual is all around us.

If one lives in Indiana and in many places in the northern hemisphere, everything about autumn can be spiritual – spiritual in the sense of the possibilities presented to pull us into someone greater than ourselves, some mystery beautiful, intricate and inspiring.

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Language barriers, smiles and unexpected gifts: Sister Denise Wilkinson reflects from France

I am getting to know each sister by paying attention to her expressions, her voice, her walk, her greeting of others. I notice her desire to communicate with me and her frustration at not knowing English.
Most of all I notice smiles. I didn’t expect smiles as comfort, joy, wordless compassion. Right now that’s what they are for me and I hope for the sisters I encounter.

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We can expect that our good works…

We can expect that our good works, our works of love and mercy and justice will abide. …they will last, remain. What a great promise! When we love, act justly, respond in mercy – it matters; it makes a difference; it bears a fruit that will endure.

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Thoughts are swirling around in my…

Thoughts are swirling around in my head — actions and prayer around water, air, soil, children, women. But how to narrow all the possibilities into one meaningful prayer and one meaningful practice that will carry me through the days of Lent? This will take more quiet, more prayer, some conversation with a soul mate.

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Through the Gospel stories, we participate…

Through the Gospel stories, we participate in the Last Supper, walk the Way of the Cross and witness the crucifixion of Jesus. In doing so, we touch into the raw grief of acknowledging the presence of death in our lives and the life of the world’s people.

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Oh my! What an incredible vocation…

Oh my! What an incredible vocation to which mothers are called!

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I believe Mother Theodore’s treasures were…

I believe Mother Theodore’s treasures were these: steadfast belief in Providence; an enduring and practical love of people – especially her sisters; and a sense of this place, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, as the deep well from which she drank in the presence, strength, and elaborate beauty of God.

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What a wonderful knowing of one’s…

What a wonderful knowing of one’s self! What a wonderful acceptance of one’s self. What bravery to follow the call to be who one is – in truth and freedom.

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I feel the touch of Jesus…

I feel the touch of Jesus very often in the presence of our elder sisters. They are experts in encouragement conveyed by a touch on the shoulder, a hand on my arm, a smile that comes from the light in their hearts and shines through their eyes. I am strengthened, encouraged and humbled when one…

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This Christmas let us, like Jesus…

This Christmas let us, like Jesus, be the incarnation of a loving God who “became flesh” and counts on us to incarnate God’s love. Merry Christmas!

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Sister Denise was the general superior of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods from 2006-2016. She previously served as a high school teacher, college administrator, postulant/novice director and director of advancement and communications for the Congregation. Currently, Sister Denise serves the Congregation in various volunteer positions.

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To learn more about Sister Denise, view her sister profile page.