Stories from the Archives
Often, some of the most interesting pieces of history are lost in time. These inviting stories are drawn from the Sisters of Providence Archives and the memories of sisters and friends. They feature the many people and places instrumental in the Sisters of Providence history.
Warning, this album may contain photos of sunbathing nuns
There’s a really neat photo album scrapbook that Sister Jean Fuqua has put together of St. Joseph Lake and its revitalization project over the past decades. Some of the photos from the album were just too fun not to share. So I offer you a sampling here.
Sisters who served in Civil War to be honored
Dedication celebration set for 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2
Ellen Baker-Longawa, Hammond, Indiana: “Good example is the best teacher.”
When I was in fourth grade I told her I wanted to be a sister and she told me to go to college first, fall in love, and then decide if I wanted to be a sister.
Marybeth Rich, Homosassa, FL: “she helped me personally on many occasions.”
The one who had the most lasting effect was my school's principal, Sister Marie Ellen Sullivan. Not only was she a great example of a leader to the whole school. a symbol of professional success for all, but she also helped me personally on many occasions.
Kay Sisk, Linton, IN: “Sister made a great change in my life”
Sometime around 1986, I was diagnosed with Crohns disease. I had been ill for over a year and in and out of hospitals with uncontrollable vomiting and no answer to why it was happening. This sweet little lady introduced herself as Sister Georgianna Testregge.
French fries with a fork: yes — crossed legs: no
Recently, a Sisters of Providence communications staff member unearthed a “Sisters of Providence Etiquette” booklet in our archives and proudly brought her find to my desk. Dated 1968, the booklet gives detailed instructions on how a Sister of Providence should look, sound and act in a variety of situations, from car rides to meal times to classrooms and even Superiors’ offices.
“High spirits and mischief”: a story of sledding
In the category of “things I find while looking for something else” is this delightful story about Sister Mary Alma Ryan. Sister Mary Alma was appointed superior of the Academy in 1897 and served on the council from 1902 to…
Susan Riley, Galesburg, IL: “They worked magic”
This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Susan Riley, Galesburg, IL, for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana. I’m convinced the Sisters of Providence who staffed Costa School in the 1970’s were the most…
Mary Ann Valentino, Chicago, IL: “Many fond memories”
This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Mary Ann Valentino, Chicago, IL, for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana. I went to St. Mel’s Grammar School and was taught by those wonderful Sisters of…