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.
Lori Strawn, Wichita, Kansas: “Into these Woods”
This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Lori Strawn, Wichita, Kansas, for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana. Only Providence could have propelled a young girl from California who had never met a Sister…
Letter: Jan 18. 1856
"When we are cold is not the time to keep away from the fire." It's a fitting statement for the weather here lately, but what does it really mean?
Mike Eck, West Chester, OH: “This changed my life”
This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Mike Eck, West Chester, OH, for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana. While traveling from Cincinnati to St. Louis two or three times a month on business,…
Nancy Vandenbergh-Kremer, Chicago, IL: “Friendship and love”
This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Nancy Vandenbergh-Kremer, Chicago, IL, for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana. My story goes back to my infancy, when as a newborn my grandmother (then living in…
Historical museum exhibit features sisters, college
In celebration of 175 years, the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) have created an exhibit which is currently on display at the Vigo County Historical Museum. The exhibit features various artifacts from the…
Bob Farnsworth, Jacksonville, FL: “Patronesses of ordinary good people”
This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Bob Farnsworth, Jacksonville, FL, for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana. Thirteen of my twenty years of teaching were spent in two Sisters of Providence schools in…
Patricia Gray, Montrose, CO: “It has been a privilege”
This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Patricia Gray, Montrose, CO, for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana. I think it exciting in this Anniversary year that I am still corresponding with sisters who…
Lois Garrett, Christiana, TN: “Thank you for the memories”
This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Lois Garrett, Christiana, TN, for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana. Oh my gosh! I got so excited when I opened my new calendar from you. There…
Sandra Scroggins: “Thank you Mother Theodore”
This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Sandra Scroggins for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana. In November 2006 I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and was near death. So began a year…
Mary Ann Simpson: “Strong, loving, and well-educated women are hard to find”
This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Mary Ann Simpson for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana. I remain so very grateful for the education as well as for the spiritual and moral formation…
Bernadette Scala: “Will always be in my heart”
This Rooted for Tomorrow story was contributed by Bernadette Scala for the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence arriving in Indiana. I was taught by the Providence Order for 12 years and I have stayed connected with them since…
Stephanie Salter: “When you’re drawn, you’re drawn”
"I suppose I could survive without the Sisters of Providence, but I don’t see that happening. When you’re drawn, you’re drawn – and neither the Sisters nor I can move far enough away from each other to diminish the pull. Ever."