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!
Sister St. Vincent Ferrer Gagé : a founding Sister of Providence
Born at Le Mans, France, June 15, 1800, Sister St. Vincent would have been 40 when the sisters arrived in Indiana, making her older than everyone except Mother Theodore (who was two years older).
Sister Basilide Sénéchal : a founding Sister of Providence
Described as a “lively, impetuous character,” Sister Basilide likely came from a family of above-average means, as she provided a dowry when she entered the congregation at Ruillé.
Sister Olympiade Boyer : a founding Sister of Providence
The sister who had, by far, the most physical labors at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods was Sister Olympiade. She came on the mission at Mother Theodore’s suggestion. The two had worked together at Soulaines, where Sister Olympiade served as cook and assisted Mother Theodore on visits to the sick.
Founding the way: Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s five companions
The portraits below of our founding sisters are from a 1990 article by Sister Joseph Eleanor Ryan (RIP) in the former SP publication Community. We share the profiles of these sisters — each extraordinary in her own way — in celebration of all who devoted themselves to the work of Providence. These women were the roots of our tomorrow.
Sister Mary Ligouri Tiercin : a founding Sister of Providence
In the Sisters of Providence Mission Advancement office, Sister Liguori is a bit of a legend. She was the object of one of Mother Theodore’s funniest journal lines. During a storm on the Atlantic, Mother Theodore wrote:
A legacy of hospitality
Hospitality is a tradition the Sisters of Providence take to heart. Says one recent guest, “I soon found out that staying at Owens was like having 30 moms around me. I felt so safe, so accepted and secure. They even leave things at my bedroom door: a poem I might enjoy, a fresh-baked muffin, a cup of homemade soup, a book to read. They ask about my day."
Sister Barbara Ann Zeller: modern-day foundress
“Here, it is always like a rolling horizon. Sister Barbara has a way of gathering people and empowering them to fly,” says Cindy Richards, chief operating officer and property manager for the residences for Providence Self-Sufficiency Ministries..
Sister Mary Xavier Lerée : a founding Sister of Providence
Sister Mary Xavier was the last of the foundresses to die, after 57 years of quiet, mostly hidden service.
Walking with the people from a position of influence: Sister Therese Guerin Sullivan
Statistics from the National Association of Church Personnel (posted at www.usccb.org in 2013) reported that: “About one-quarter of all diocesan chancellors are women. . . a position of considerable influence in many dioceses.”
Cleveland bishop: value in women’s leadership
“I value women in leadership roles because they share a desire to serve God and God’s people, and they bring different perspectives and aspects of human relationships to conversations and decision-making that enrich the whole process,” Bishop Lennon stated.
Ministry in the marriage tribunal
As the only woman reviewing cases in our tribunal, I feel I balance the male perspective. I am a good listener and feel that I relate to people with empathy. If a case is particularly difficult, I will put it aside for a while and reread it later. Often I have new insights in doing so that strengthen the case.
Voices to prevent abuse: Sisters Cathy White and Cathy Campbell
“That child has no voice, and I have a pretty big one,” Sister Cathy White said. “I continue in this ministry because I feel I can have a voice for the voiceless.”
