Red leaves on a frosty tree

Stories about

Peace & Justice

As a community dedicated to advocating for the marginalized, we Sisters of Providence join our voices with others in speaking out about many peace and justice issues of great importance in our world. Learn more about justice concerns dear to our hearts here.

Inclusion means joining the conversation

The only way we can bridge that which divides us is through encounter. We must seek ways of listening to understand rather than listening to respond. That is why I chose to stand up publicly for a culture of civility and inclusion at our own Gathering in Solidarity at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods last Saturday. That is why I refused to let one point of disagreement with March organizers exclude me from participating in standing up for the very foundation of society: civil, respectful discourse. Similarly, that is why I participated in calling to task the organizers for excluding others based on one point of disagreement.

Women marching as a sign of hope

The Women’s March on Washington is not one group. It is not one unified effort. Participants are attending despite differences of opinion on specific platform items. Women are coming together to say that their voices deserve to be part of the conversation, that the principles of respect and unity are more important than precise uniformity.

Gathering in solidarity, respect and unity

The principle of solidarity, or recognizing our interdependence with all of creation, has been at the heart of Catholic social teaching for as long as it has existed.
The Women’s March and similar events seek to create spaces where all are welcomed to stand in solidarity with those on the margins of our society. The movement encourages participation by all people who feel marginalized and their allies. It’s a space for all to come together and build a movement to sustain our work for justice into the future.

Miracle Place: a beacon for the neighborhood

According to the two sisters, “the mission of Miracle Place is to offer hospitality, care, and concern. It is a place of spiritual refreshment where all who come may find refuge. Where all who are severely tried may be comforted. Where all who are lonely may find companionship. And where those without hope may find a renewed spirit.”

Fair Trade: products that improve the lives of people on the margins

Linden Leaf Gifts is a store that worries less about keeping the lights on and more about how to bring light into the lives of marginalized people. As a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, Linden Leaf Gifts measures success a little differently than most retail stores. Success is derived also from the difference it can make in the lives of people that provide the unique products sold there.