
- 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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Features
Welcome to our features page. Here, we will share with you updates on what is currently happening within our Congregation. Feel free to take time to explore the area.

Toward the future: young sisters look forward
“The Congregation members support each other through difficult challenges and situations. No one works through the difficulties alone. Through several sisters, I see a passion for mission, ministry, prayer, and community, which is contagious,” Sister Dina said.
Three of our newest Sisters of Providence recently shared their thoughts about the future. Sisters Arrianne Whittaker and Dina Bato are temporarily professed and Sister Joni Luna is a novice in her second year of formation.

Journals & Letters now an e-book
And now, for the first time, Journals and Letters of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin is available as an e-book too!

Stephanie Salter: “When you’re drawn, you’re drawn”
"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."

Rosaline Secrest: Prayer, support and social justice
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 blessed to join with Sisters of Providence in a local…

Mel Marino Wolff: “Thank you for bringing us together!”
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 I have felt the legacy of Mother Theodore and the…

Sister St. Vincent Ferrer Gagé : a founding Sister of Providence
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).

Sister Basilide Sénéchal : a founding Sister of Providence
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.

Sister Olympiade Boyer : a founding Sister of Providence
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.

Founding the way: Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s five companions
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.

Sister Mary Ligouri Tiercin : a founding Sister of Providence
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:

A legacy of hospitality
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."

Sister Barbara Ann Zeller: modern-day foundress
“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..
