


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.

I realized that in both stories, Jesus was open and vulnerable enough to allow others to call him to mercy. In the end, when it came to choosing mercy or sticking with his original plan, Jesus did not dig his heels in based on his own sense of the “right time” or the “right people.”

Forgiveness is a process, and a slow one at that. We cannot rush forgiveness. If we do it becomes insincere. It takes time, patience and mercy and it is never an easy journey to make.

Tragic legacy
pervasive pattern repeating
itself through the ages
a rippling effect on relationship
at every level …

“I had a student just yesterday that came to me sobbing with a note that read, ‘I wish you were dead. Nobody likes you. Here are some ways you could kill yourself: drink bleach, starve to death or slash your wrists. Go kill yourself,'” said Providence Associate Lorrie Scheidler, a middle school guidance counselor in Terre Haute, Indiana, helps students work through times of uncertainty.

Love, mercy and justice are central to the mission of the Sisters of Providence. The sisters have come to see that mission extending to all creation. As we focus on mercy in this issue of HOPE, several Sisters of Providence answer the question, “What is one way to show mercy to Earth?”

“You persistently encourage us to build not destroy, … to have mercy towards the one we see as least deserving or the one who has hurt us deeply and to love, love, love and love more.” Sister Denise Wilkinson dares us to look more deeply at mercy in our lives.

“Our clients always speak words of gratitude,” Sister Joseph said of her ministry at Providence Food Pantry in West Terre Haute, Indiana. “That’s really a very uplifting feeling. This is unconditional love. That’s mercy. We see Christ in these people. We try to help in any way we can.”

'The Year of Mercy has called us to be more mindful to the words we use to describe ourselves and our purpose.'

"I am proud that the Sisters of Providence are one of the sponsors ..."

The Fair Food Campaign is a highly respected, well monitored program

How do I keep hope alive?

'I truly felt I was standing on the shores of history'