Alumni
In 1841, our Foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, accepted the first student at the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Academy. For the decades since and still today, our Congregation continues its ministry of education in all its forms. We have deep love for and cherish the relationships we have with our former students. Learn about some of the schools we have ministered at here. Are you an alum looking for a favorite teacher? Find her here!
“May we all be saints!” An unpublished letter from Mother Theodore
"May we all be Saints! We shall be if we make good use of the time that remains for us to gain Heaven. …" A previously unpublished letter from Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
An unpublished note from Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
Did you know there's more from Saint Mother Theodore? The Archives department for the Sisters of Providence has several of Saint Mother Theodore's letters that were not included in Journals and Letters.
Mercy in Islam
In this small glimpse of mercy in Islam, we reflect the hope of Pope Francis that this Jubilee year will “foster an encounter,” “open us to even more fervent dialogue” and “eliminate every form of closed-mindedness” toward Islam, Judaism, and “other noble religious traditions.” Inshallah! (God willing!)
Video blog: What is a Providence Associate?
"It's a rewarding walk; a deeper inner journey."
Book review: The Other Couch
"The authors are in this book. They share their inner and affective responses with the reader and demonstrate clearly how the one in a position of “authority” (therapist, supervisor) authors the potential for healing. They offer it through their being with and not emotionally disconnected from." A book review by Sister Barbara Sheehan of "The Other Couch: Discovering Women’s Wisdom in Therapy" by Patricia Peters Martin, Ph.D. and Helene DeMontreux Houston, M.S., APRN.
A community of friends: the Providence Associate relationship
The spirituality of Providence tells us that all of life is interconnected, that all is holy, all is one. There was “oneness” in that room that day. I could see it AND feel it. I know the source is Providence.
Providence Associates are women and men of faith who choose to have an intentional relationship with the Sisters of Providence. They commit to sharing their own unique gifts and talents with others while walking with the Sisters of Providence. But they also walk with each other and that is making all the difference.
Educating toward healing with music
“I wanted to find a career where I can get up in the morning and be excited about going to work,” Nate said. Now he is making history as one of the first on-campus male students at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College while he pursues his love for music and healing in the music therapy program.
What brings you here? What are you searching for?
One candidate said her 27-year-old daughter had come to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She said she saw her daughter “became complete” here. So now she is coming as a Providence Associate candidate seeking to feel complete herself.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Feast Day reflection
175 years ago, our beginning was humble. We let go of what we knew and we embraced what was to come. 175 years later we are being asked to do the same. Trust me — as we continue to walk into this new era, as Sisters of Providence, Providence Associates, supporters and friends, we will grow into this era. Be patient. Be prayerful.
Did you know we need volunteer knitters?
Do you knit or crochet? Would you like to work with alpaca yarn as a volunteer? We would love to talk with you.
Former teacher influences a career in environmental law
When I took biology from sister she was still in the full habit, and I've recounted many times the vivid image I have of her rolling up her sleeves, hiking up her skirt and tucking it in to her waist (she looked like she had big pantaloons) so she could lead us up and down the creek bed to explore and take samples.
Remembering Sister Helen Vinton: nature walks and care for the environment
When I had Sister Helen Jean for biology I enjoyed class, but the nature walks were the best!