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.
Jeremy Hackerd’s comments
On the occasion of the installment of the Saint Theodore Guerin state historical marker at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. On behalf of the Indiana Historical Bureau, I am honored to be here today for the dedication of the “SAINT THEODORA GUERIN” state…
Historical marker honors Saint Mother Theodore
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin was honored during a public dedication ceremony of an Indiana historical marker April 29, 2009, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. The marker is located near the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on Grotto Lane. The bronze plaque…
Missionary spirit of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
Just as the little community was settling in, a devastating fire destroyed all of their provisions for the winter ahead. They lost 150 bushels of wheat and 150 bushels of oats, hay and corn shocks to feed the animals. The barn also contained bacon, suet and extra beds. It was once again a time of throwing themselves with complete abandon into the hands of Providence.
The charism of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
When asked to give her impressions of Mother Theodore, Susanna Alvey, who grew up as a neighbor in the then-thriving village of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, responded, “Her success was due more to prayer than to human efficiency, I think.” Through her…
The spirituality of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
Spirituality, the fundamental, underlying way in which a person relates to God, to other people and to oneself, is not merely an attitude toward God, an acceptable way to worship God, or a certain set of beliefs about God. Spirituality…
Sister Jan Craven
If the 1960s were known as the roller coaster of social change, then Sister Jan Craven loved every high-speed twist and turn. Society was changing. The Catholic Church was changing. Jan Craven was changing. Her father was a devout follower…
Donna Stites: wanting to be seen as somebody
A drug dealer, a prostitute, a murderer — that’s how many people view 46-year-old Donna Stites. Donna has been in prison for murder since 1984. Today, her world is inside the Indiana Women’s Prison in Indianapolis. However, there are people…
Pianos and Dina
Dina Bato has quite a handshake. One wouldn’t expect it from the friendly, quick to smile 32-year-old, but with one shake of that right hand, there is no doubt that this woman does not need help opening jars. Her impressive…
Bringing beauty into the world – the late Sister Cecilia Clare Bocard
Reprinted from the summer 2009 issue of HOPE. “We are all aware, I am sure, that music, as a fine art, involves the creation of beauty. Now we know that beauty is an attribute of God. … Music then is…
Sister Joann Quinkert
Updated August 2022 In some ways, Sister Joann Quinkert may have a parallel experience with Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, foundress of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of- the-Woods. When Mother Theodore came to the United States in 1840, she…
The legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
By Sister Marie Kevin Tighe, formerly of the Office of the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin The legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin is not a material or monetary one. It is a spiritual gift bestowed upon her by…
Civil War service
Just over 20 years after the founding of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., the country was torn apart by the Civil War (1861-1865). Sisters of Providence answered a call to duty by Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton.…