Blog
Welcome to our blog. Here, we will share with you stories of our lives as Sisters of Providence. We invite Providence Associates to write in this space also. We hope you find these posts enjoyable and inspirational.
Sister Marikay Duffy receives recognition for helping others in need
Sister Marikay Duffy said years ago that she saw a need to “assist people by providing/offering educational opportunities and to assist in their understanding the immigration processes.” And because of her ministry efforts, which have spanned 40 years in the…
Simbang Gabi novena full of music and hospitality
Sister Editha Ben, vocation director for the Sisters of Providence, attends Simbang Gabi novena during Christmas holiday, and shares her experience.
The Christmas story: new and old
God so loved the world that he gave us his only Son, Jesus Christ. This very Jesus Christ, the Holy One, is within you! Embrace this gift of the sacred. Share it with your family and friends. Open your eyes to see the Christ in those who have hurt you. Share the light of goodness with others who long to be loved.
A visible transformation
The video interview with Sister Regina Gallo left me excited about the future. Congregation numbers may be smaller, but that spiritual depth is still being passed on. It will still be here for generations to come.
Sister Dorothy Gartland: neighborhood ministry making a difference
Fifteen of the best years of my life as a Sister of Providence were spent working as program director/supervisor of the after school homework program at Providence Family Services (PFS). I’ve had a wonderful life and maybe I’m a bit nostalgic, but truly Providence Family Services was and is an important part of our West Humboldt Park neighborhood here in Chicago.
Celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe
Last fall, I participated in a demonstration to support 11 pilgrims on a 50-mile journey through central Indiana. We welcomed the group who had walked from Anderson to Indianapolis to call for a dignified pathway to citizenship for immigrants, millions of whom have lived in the shadows of our country for years.
Cards and Christmas carols
So Advent has arrived. There is a lovely Advent wreath in the chapel and another in the church. To my surprise, the novices don't know "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." The prominent Advent song here seems to be "O Come, Divine Messiah," which they sing quite slowly. I taught the novices "Stay Awake, Be Ready," a children's Advent song that includes some clapping. I invite you to look it up and make a joyful noise.
Letter: Jan 18. 1856
"When we are cold is not the time to keep away from the fire." It's a fitting statement for the weather here lately, but what does it really mean?
Providence prayers for the journey of Advent
Advent means coming (Latin adventus; Greek parousia): the coming of Emmanuel (God-with-us) into our lives, the coming of Providence into the universe. This start of the Christian liturgical year invites us to prepare for the coming of light, liberation, and love into the universe. It challenges us to stay awake to Providence in our midst and to witness to this relationship.
“To be present to all that happens …” – Sister Denise reflects on Advent
Sister Denise Wilkinson, general superior, encourages us to "be in the present" this Advent season - to be like Mary.
Giving thanks from the heart
The two words thank you are so simple! But if said from deep within our hearts they can open a field of compassion and gratitude to others. If said from deep within our hearts, the saying of thank you becomes real. When we are real, we are able to melt the frozen places in others and ourselves.