
- About
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Love, mercy, justice
The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are a community of vowed Catholic women religious. Inspired by our foundress Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, we are passionate about our lives of prayer, education, service and advocacy.
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- Justice
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Break boundaries, create hope
Spirituality and justice go hand-in-hand. We are committed to walking with those on the margins. Join us on our journey to make Earth better for all.
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- Be inspired
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What inspires you?
We all need a little spiritual inspiration sometimes. Let the wisdom of our Providence Community support you on your journey.
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- Visit
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Experience the Woods
From the moment you step onto the grounds at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, you know you're somewhere special. There's something for everyone at the Woods.
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- Get involved
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Where do you fit in?
Reconnect or find new opportunities with the Providence Community. Volunteer in one of our many ministries, be an intern on the farm, explore job opportunities or reminisce about your alma mater.
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- Join
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Join the Providence Family
Live joyfully! Single, Catholic women ages 18-42 are invited to explore a fulfilling life as a Sister of Providence. All women and men of faith are invited to join the family of Providence as Providence Associates.
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- Prayer Requests
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Inspiration Search
Need some words of wisdom?
We can all use a little help with prayer sometimes. The Sisters of Providence and Providence Associates hope to help inspire you! Whether it’s the perfect Saint Mother Theodore Guerin quote or a prayer written by a Sister of Providence, let the right words bring Providence into your life. Browse the prayers below or if you’re looking for something specific, use the “Topics” search in the search area.
You can use one of the search/filter fields at a time, or you can combine them. For instance,
- Type “love” in the Search bar and click submit.
- Choose “faith” in the Topics drop-down and click submit.
- Type “love” in the Search bar, choose “Saint Mother Theodore Guerin” in the Author drop-down, and then click submit.
It is not necessary to have text in the search box before clicking submit. If you leave the box blank, the search results will contain any quotes or prayers that fit the filter criteria you have chosen.
386 results
Type: Quotes
Quote
“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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“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 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 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 after the other says to me, “I pray for you every day.” Yes — all of these moments are moments of being touched by Jesus — assured of being a valued part of that living body.”
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“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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“The sacrament of reconciliation provides another new beginning, an opportunity to “make a firm purpose of amendment” knowing we are forgiven and loved by a merciful God who strengthens our resolve to make the life changes we so hope for ourselves. It also opens our hearts and creates empathy for others; we all share a brokenness that manifests in different ways in all of us.”
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“Communion is nurtured by connection and from the recognition that everything, in its original form, is related. We share a oneness with all. The bond uniting us as individuals and groups is already there within us. We just need to become aware.”
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“The most painful sight I saw in New Orleans was the selling of slaves. Every day in the streets at appointed places, Negroes and Negresses in holiday attire are exposed for this shameful traffic, like the meanest animals at our fairs. This spectacle oppressed my heart.”
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