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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On Tuesday, Sept. 21, the Sisters of Providence welcomed our new postulant, Leslie Dao of Saint Louis, Missouri, to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods! We are greatly blessed.
The simple postulant entrance ceremony began with prayer with Leslie’s family (her oldest brother and his wife accompanied Leslie to the Woods). Those sisters in new membership who had been accompanying Leslie then walked with her to the doors of Providence Hall where Leslie knocked and was welcomed by General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski. A small blessing and welcoming ceremony followed.
Please keep Leslie in your prayers as she enters her time of formation as a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sisters who have helped Leslie with her discernment process and Leslie’s family members meet for prayer before the ceremony. From front right clockwise, Sisters Editha Ben, Joni Luna, My Huong Pham, Leslie Dao and Lan and Phong Dao
Leslie at prayer
From back left clockwise, Sister Editha Ben, Leslie Dao, Sister Joni Luna and Sister My Huong Pham with Lan and Phong Dao gathered for prayer
Leslie prays before the knocking ceremony
Prayer centerpiece
Bowing in prayer
After prayer, Sister Joni and Leslie lead the group in walking to Providence Hall for the entrance ceremony
Sister Joni Luna and Leslie Dao walk to Providence Hall for the knocking ceremony
Sister Joni Luna, Leslie Dao and Sister My Huong Pham enjoy each other’s company as they walk from prayer to the ceremony
Leslie Dao knocks on the door of Providence Hall seeking entrance with the Sisters of Providence Congregation as Sister Joni Luna looks on.
Leslie knocks on the door as part of the entrance ceremony
Leslie is welcomed by the General Superior in the name of the Congregation
General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski leads the entrance ceremony for Leslie, presented by new membership director Sister Joni Luna and her discernment guide Sister My Huong Pham
Sister Dawn begins the blessing ritual, blessing Leslie’s head
Sister Marsha Speth, director of postulants, blesses Lelie’s hands
Sister My Huong Pham, Leslie’s discernment guide, blesses Leslie’s mouth
Sister Teresa Kang blesses Leslie
All those gathered offer prayers for Leslie
General Councilor Sister Jenny Howard invites the sisters to applaud for Leslie
Leslie with her oldest brother Phong and his wife Lan as they prepare to head back home
Leslie shows the keys she received to her new home at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
Photo taking after the ceremony. Leslie with the keys to the formation house where she will live with Sister Norene Wu, left, and Sister Marsha Speth, right
Sister Anna Ho greets Leslie after the ceremony
Sister Adele Beacham greets Leslie
Sister Editha Ben offers Leslie a big air hug after the ceremony
Amy Miranda is a Providence Associate of the Sisters of Providence and a staff member in their Advancement Services office. Amy is a 1998 graduate of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She currently manages the SP publication HOPE and works on marketing support for Providence Associates, new membership and Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.
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We are indeed blessed to have Leslie Dao respond to Providence call to this community of the Sisters of Providence. Thank you , Leslie for responding. We continue to journey with you.
You did a great job capturing the event, Amy!
Thank you!
We are indeed blessed to have Leslie Dao respond to Providence call to this community of the Sisters of Providence. Thank you , Leslie for responding. We continue to journey with you.
Welcome, Leslie, we are so delighted you are on this journey with us!
Leslie is a wonderful woman and such a gift from God. She blessed my every day working together. Blessings on the journey!
Leslie, Congratulations. Good luck on your postulancy and God bless.