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“It’s overwhelming that another human being from another county who is in need puts so much confidence in us. But that’s a blessing. I’m not a psychologist, I’m not a doctor, but I have a good gut. I build them up. They leave a little more energized, a little more peaceful, knowing at least someone was there to listen to them,” says Sister Betty Smigla of her ministry as a “compañera” to Spanish-speaking clients seeking help navigating complex social systems in Chicago.
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Our spirituality is about living our experience of God. We do not “change” spirituality and put on a different one for aging, a different one for work. We don’t change spirituality like we change clothing. Living our experience of God is influenced by each of our temperaments. By our social, financial, educational, denominational and cultural context. And that experience of God, that spirituality, affects our daily living.
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As a new Sister of Providence, Sister Joni saw how important music was to her sisters. She wanted to make sure she honored the rich history of music that dates back to Saint Mother Theodore’s time.
“I wanted to be able to join in the traditional songs and capture the passion the sisters have when they sing.”
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“When I think of the challenges facing our Congregation today … it may seem like all appearances are against a vibrant future. I am called to remember what the six founding sisters faced, and that deepens my faith and trust in Providence.”
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Sister Mary Rita Griffin is a person who radiates passion and takes her ministry to heart. Her role as Our Lady of Providence shrine coordinator, which she took on in July of 2014, is no exception to her single-hearted character.
“I have been amazed by the rich friendships that are happening through my role all centered on Our Lady of Providence,” Sister Mary says. “It’s a growing role for me as more people share their love for her, and I love the international flavor of it.”
Among Sister Teresa’s volunteer ministries are offering massage to residents of the sisters’ health care facility and sorting vegetables for their Community Supported Agriculture program. Sorting vegtables takes Sister Teresa back to her childhood in Ireland. “I grew up on a farm, so it is very life-giving to me to get these foods ready for sharing and for selling at the Terre Haute Farmers’ market,” she says.
“I love working with the sisters and other elders in health care. I enjoy learning from them as they share with me as I give them a shoulder massage or rub their hands,” she said. “It is comforting to them.”
Sister Judy Birgen has helped raise Bry’Chell Johnson for the past 10 years. What is it like growing up with a Sister of Providence as a parent figure? Bry’Chell and Sister Judy share their story.
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“I view those for whom I care as more than clients – they are friends, persons in whose lives I am invested. I assist them with their physical needs but I also pray with them, bring them Eucharist, and have good conversations with them about whatever interests them at that moment,” Sister Susan Dinnin says of the elderly individuals of who she helps provide in-home care.
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Do you know the story of Saint Mother Theodore’s painful relationship with the Bishop Cèlestine de la Hailandière of Vincennes, Indiana? At one point Bishop de la Hailandière went so far as to lock Saint Mother Theodore in the room and excommunicate her from the Congregation.
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Did you read the feature that quoted Sister Kathleen Desautels in Rolling Stone? As a sister on the forefront of social justice issues in the church and society, Sister Kathleen sometimes shows up in unexpected places.
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“This ministry aims to provide support to those who are aging into the second half of life by expanding, deepening and nurturing the spiritual dimensions of their lives. My hope is we can companion persons offering spiritual and grief support during various transitions in preparation for the final transition into eternal life,” said Sister Carole Kimes of her ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Carmel, Indiana.
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Who would think that a wild teenager, kicked out of her Catholic school her sophomore year, would end up a Sister of Providence? But that is part of Sister Barbara Battista’s story. From wild child to pharmacist to Physician Assistant, Sister Barbara’s story has some unexpected turns.
Read moreHere 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!
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