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.
Ciboria from Mother Theodore’s time
See photos below Deep in the stacks of the Sisters of Providence Archives is a wonderful treasure of ciboria used during the time of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. A ciborium (singular form of ciboria) is a covered vessel for holding…
1956: a year of commemoration
The year 1956 was one of remembrance and celebration for the Sisters of Providence. This year marked the 100th anniversary of the death of Mother Theodore Guerin, who died May 14, 1856. The year also commemorated the 150th anniversary of…
Congregation centenary treasures
One of the boxes in the Sisters of Providence Archives has treasures from the 100th anniversary of the Congregation in 1940. There are several novelty items that were given away as part of the celebration. One of the most unique…
Rhythms and Tension
Rhythms and Tension was published by the Sisters of Providence in 1981. This booklet shares the stories of several sisters of a variety of ages and ministries. The introduction of this publication explains its purpose: “Thomas Merton once wrote that…
A Guide to the Trees at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
In the early 1990s, the Mission Advancement office (OCA) in conjunction with the Eco-justice Task Force published A Guide to the Trees at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. The research and drawings were completed by Sister Alma Louise Mescher and the booklet…
Foley Hall: A Portrait
Foley Hall — the name conjures up many memories for graduates of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and for countless Sisters of Providence. Foley Hall was known throughout its long history by several names including Saint Mary’s Academic Institute and the Academy.…
The pipe organ
Did you ever wonder what the largest instrument in the world is? You might be thinking a tuba or a grand piano? No, the largest instrument in the world is a pipe organ! The pipe organ is a musical instrument…
A zest for swimming
It was just one line in the “Important Events 1840 to 1972” in the card file in the Sisters of Providence Archives, but it caused a lot of stories to be told and memories to be relived. The line was…
Sisters fear Know Nothing agitation
But not so Mother Theodore. The Community was terrified. ‘At every moment we imagine we can see the Know-Nothings coming to set fire to our house,’ noted the Foundress in the diary.
Truly a masterpiece
“Souvenir of the Fiftieth Anniversary, or Golden Jubilee, of St. Mary’s Academic Institute, St. Mary of the Woods, Vigo Co., Ind.” written by a former pupil and published in 1891, describes how the inside of St. Anne Shell Chapel was…
Jeremy Hackerd’s comments
On the occasion of the installment of the Saint Theodore Guerin state historical marker at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. On behalf of the Indiana Historical Bureau, I am honored to be here today for the dedication of the “SAINT THEODORA GUERIN” state…
Historical marker honors Saint Mother Theodore
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin was honored during a public dedication ceremony of an Indiana historical marker April 29, 2009, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. The marker is located near the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on Grotto Lane. The bronze plaque…