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.
Bringing beauty into the world – the late Sister Cecilia Clare Bocard
Reprinted from the summer 2009 issue of HOPE. “We are all aware, I am sure, that music, as a fine art, involves the creation of beauty. Now we know that beauty is an attribute of God. … Music then is…
Civil War service
Just over 20 years after the founding of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., the country was torn apart by the Civil War (1861-1865). Sisters of Providence answered a call to duty by Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton.…
History of devotion to Our Lady of Providence
For more than 75 years, Sisters of Providence and lay people from throughout the world have prayed at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence, which is located today in the vestibule of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.…
A faceless ghost?
It's a perfect time for a good ghost story. Settle in and hear this first-hand account of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods own "faceless nun."
The remarkable life of Mother Marie Gratia Luking
By Sister Mary Roger Madden On Oct. 29, 1989, in Shalu, Taichung County, Taiwan, a group of clergy, lay people and women religious gathered at the burial site of Mother Marie Gratia Luking. They were there to commemorate the 25th…
Young woman’s letters help explain formation
Sister Mary Slattery (RIP) probably never dreamed she would leave such an impression with her personal letters to a longtime friend. But her words were so eloquent and convincing that they were shared publicly in the pages of “The Bugle…
Wedding gown tradition
It was a day a young woman in formation with the Sisters of Providence waited for eagerly. On that day, she would process into the flower-decorated, candle-adorned Church of the Immaculate Conception dressed in a white wedding gown — a…
A labor of love: To God Through Music
Sister Mary Lourdes Mackey (RIP) understood that children thrive with music. She knew music enriches them. Embracing that wisdom, Sister Mary Lourdes launched a project that eventually brought national acclaim to the Sisters of Providence. The music series, “To God…
Golden jubilees celebrated throughout SP history
For days before the big celebration, young sisters were washing habits and pressing them and making sure everything was ready for the special day, recalls Sister Suzanne Brezette, who entered the Congregation in 1938. The golden jubilee celebrations of old…
Personal stories from bell and chimes ringers
Sister Ann Casper “One summer repairs were needed to the church [Church of the Immaculate Conception] tower bells. Bell ringers were told to have a second bell ringer accompany them because the pulley allowing the bells to easily swing in…
Sister-nurses during the Civil War (video)
The Sisters of Providence served as sister-nurses during the Civil War. This video sheds some light on this unique service to the nation. (with audio) Article praises Civil War video for sharing Congregation’s history.
Surgeons’ report at Indy Military Hospital
A report by Dr. John M. Kitchen and Dr. Patrick H. Jameson, hospital surgeons at the Military Hospital in Indianapolis, provided the following information in a report to Inspector-General Miles Murphy. The report was published by the Indianapolis Daily Journal.…