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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Sisters of Providence General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson reads with new postulant Anna Fan.
On Thursday, Nov. 13, Anna Fan, a native of Taiwan, was received into the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, as a postulant.
According to Director of Postulants Sister Marsha Speth, Anna was welcomed to the postulancy through the ritual of entrance.
Sister Marsha said Anna knocked on the door at Providence Hall and was greeted by General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson.
From there, Anna was taken to the parlor in Providence Hall for a prayer service, a blessing and the official welcome into the Congregation.
“Anna will be learning everything she can learn about the Sisters of Providence, and that includes learning about community practices, traditions and ministries,” Sister Marsha said.
Sister Marsha also said she will meet with Anna once a week for instructions and individual conferences.
In addition, she said once a month, Anna will work as a volunteer in the local area as well as take time volunteering with other Sisters of Providence across the country.
She added Anna will live within the formation community of the Sisters of Providence, located in Owens Hall.
Anna’s relationship with the Sisters of Providence was born through the Sisters of Providence in Taiwan.
“I began working with the Sisters of Providence-Miracle Home on Aug. 8, 2011,” Anna said. “Sister Delan Ma was the director who employed me.
“From the time of my interview through my service during the year, Sister Delan repeatedly questioned me, asking about my vocation and invited me to join the Sisters of Providence,” Anna continued. “I repeatedly refused to consider a vocation. But during the Gospel at Mass, I heard Jesus say the kingdom of heaven is like pearls and treasures hidden in the ground.
“I asked myself if the vocation was like what Jesus says about the pearls and treasures. God, through Sister Delan, gave me this opportunity. I asked, ‘Why don’t I give myself this opportunity?’ So, I changed my mind.”
After a year as a postulant, Anna will be eligible to enter into the first year of the novitiate. It is at that point when she will receive the title of sister.
About the Sisters of Providence
The Sisters of Providence, a congregation of 214 women religious, with 300 Providence Associates, collaborate with others to create a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service and advocacy. The Sisters of Providence have their motherhouse at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, located just northwest of downtown Terre Haute, Ind., which is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin founded the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 1840. Today, Sisters of Providence minister in 13 states, the District of Columbia and Asia, through works of love, mercy and justice. More information about the Sisters of Providence and their ministries can be found at SistersofProvidence.org.
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