As seen in HOPE
Here you will find wonderful content from the Sisters of Providence. The articles here all appeared in HOPE magazine. The Sisters of Providence publish HOPE three times a year to share the mission, spirituality and ministries of the Sisters of Providence. Enjoy!
Poem: Human Violence
Tragic legacy
pervasive pattern repeating
itself through the ages
a rippling effect on relationship
at every level …
Counsel and guidance to middle schoolers
“I had a student just yesterday that came to me sobbing with a note that read, ‘I wish you were dead. Nobody likes you. Here are some ways you could kill yourself: drink bleach, starve to death or slash your wrists. Go kill yourself,'” said Providence Associate Lorrie Scheidler, a middle school guidance counselor in Terre Haute, Indiana, helps students work through times of uncertainty.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin quotations on mercy
“... Be assured that in leaving the past to the mercy of God and the future to (God’s) Providence, you will derive from your offering very great peace and very great consolation.”
Mercy to Earth
Love, mercy and justice are central to the mission of the Sisters of Providence. The sisters have come to see that mission extending to all creation. As we focus on mercy in this issue of HOPE, several Sisters of Providence answer the question, “What is one way to show mercy to Earth?”
Dare to be merciful
“You persistently encourage us to build not destroy, … to have mercy towards the one we see as least deserving or the one who has hurt us deeply and to love, love, love and love more.” Sister Denise Wilkinson dares us to look more deeply at mercy in our lives.
Feeding neighbors in need
“Our clients always speak words of gratitude,” Sister Joseph said of her ministry at Providence Food Pantry in West Terre Haute, Indiana. “That’s really a very uplifting feeling. This is unconditional love. That’s mercy. We see Christ in these people. We try to help in any way we can.”
Experiencing change through the Woods
Many people find something special at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. One staff member shares how working for the Sisters of Providence has been a blessing for him and for his family.
Transformed by these Woods
“I don’t know what it is — there’s just something about the Woods.”
These are familiar sentiments for people who have lived or worked at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Most of us have heard these things. And most of us have said them ourselves. Sister Lisa Stallings reflects on the transforming power of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
Nurturing to renewed hope and health
It’s how much the staff and everyone cares about their patients,” said Lorre, who spent much of last summer in the rehabilitation unit at Providence Health Care at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. “No matter who you are, how sick you are or what your religious beliefs are, they care for you and love you. I felt nothing but love and care the whole time I was here.”
Renewing spiritually at the Woods
Ruth isn’t exactly sure what made her choose Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for her week-long retreat. She only knows “God wanted me there.”
What can these Woods offer you?
The Jubilee Year of Mercy began Dec. 8, 2015, the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. What will you do this year to grow in your faith? To strengthen both charitable works and social justice at home and as part of your faith community? Maybe a visit to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods can help you on your way.
A fresh connection
Thanks to a national program and a pair of keen eyes, students at St. Patrick’s School in Terre Haute, Indiana, have an opportunity to eat fresh, organic vegetables from White Violet Center for Eco-Justice during lunch.