Sisters of Providence

Sisters of Providence

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, are a congregation of Roman Catholic women religious (sisters) who minister throughout the United States and Taiwan. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin founded the Sisters of Providence in 1840. The congregation has a mission of being God's Providence in the world by committing to performing works of love, mercy and justice in service among God's people.

Sister Marie Agatha Vonderheide

Certainly, Sister Marie Agatha Vonderheide is someone who has exemplified to all of us the graciousness and kindness of God, said Sister Rosemary Schmalz in her commentary on Sister Marie Agatha, who died March 15, 2014, at the age of 92.

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Woods Day Care/Pre-School to close

Citing a growing number of concerns, the Sisters of Providence have sadly announced the closing of Woods Day Care Pre-School (WDC PS), a sponsored institution for close to three decades.

Sister Ann Francis Hammersley

"Simplicity, happiness and obliging others without being judgmental radiated from her manner," said Sister Joan Matthews in her commentary for Sister Ann Francis Hammersley who died Jan. 29, 2014 at the age of 87.

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Life-changing technology

Sisters of Providence of varying generations reflect on a most life-changing technology in each of their lives: from air conditioning to the internet.

Winter solstice ritual

Tomorrow is the first day of winter, the longest night of the year.

The following is adapted from "Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim," by Edward Hays.

Materials needed: solstice candle; a fire pit, if possible, if you will be outside or a fireplace indoors; smaller candles for everyone; flash light for the leader.
(Begin by sitting in darkness for a short time)

Leader: Let us take into our hands a solstice candle
or Let us light the sacred solstice fire.

We pray on the night of ancient fear, when those who have gone before us were fearful of what lurked outside the ring of fire of light and warmth. They feared all that prowled in the darkness: evil, disease, death, beasts that might destroy them and the hidden dangers of winter.

Light candle or fire

Sister Marilyn Baker

Sister Marilyn Baker shares about her life and call as a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in these short video segments.

Sister Mary Margaret Quinn (formerly Sister Charles Agnes)

"It’s as if this was always where she was meant to be; this place and these people were the love of her life. Her personality melded with their culture—their music and their spirituality became her own." Sister Mary Margaret Quinn spent 36 years serving the African-American community at Holy Angels Church in Indianapolis. She died Nov. 29, 2013. She was 78 years old and a Sister of Providence for 60 years.

Sister Bernice Kuper (formerly Sister Ann Bernice)

"I’ve heard these words used over and over to describe Sister Bernice: wise, centered, interested in everyone and accepting of everyone, perceptive – sometimes too perceptive, challenging when needed yet always affirming," said Sister Denise Wilkinson of Sister Bernice Kuper who died Nov. 26, 2013. Sister Bernice was 91 years old and had been a Sister of Providence for 73 years.

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