Reflections from Sister Denise
Sister Denise Wilkinson was the general superior of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, from 2006 to 2016. As a gifted writer and speaker, she is often called upon to share her reflections. These are some of her writings.
Reflecting on the United States through the writing of Saint Mother Theodore
What words draw you into prayer?
Day by day with Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
I feel inclined to talk with Saint Mother Theodore about what’s worrying me, or making me happy or driving me crazy. "Another means for preserving the peace is to let little things pass without noticing them," she said.
Reflecting on Palm Sunday 2019
Does Palm Sunday mark the beginning of the last chapter in the life of Jesus?
Advent 2018: So many possibilities in the waiting
The days of Advent, the Church’s season of waiting, holds so many possibilities for us
HOME, a place to nurture the well-being of others
It is rare that a Sister of Providence going to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods doesn’t say, “I’m going home.” It is rare that visitors to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods campus don’t remark on the beauty, the peace and comfort they experience on the campus.…
Musings on Kleenex and ‘Kin-dom’
The kin-dom of God is like a Kleenex that’s been washed, rinsed, spun dry in a washing machine
New designs from a tree’s former fullness
A huge white oak tree fell to the ground one day last week. Well, it wasn’t really a huge white oak tree. It was Huge. Not really. It was HUGE! It was old. Well, it was OLD. (Maybe the tree…
Shared roots: bonds that unite beyond culture, time and place
" I loved being the very place where Mother Theodore worshiped in her years of living in La Providence. To sit in this very simple chapel for hours refreshed and renewed me. There I experienced in a unique way the presence of Mother Theodore," writes Sister Denise Wilkinson.
Everything about autumn can be spiritual
Something spiritual is all around us.
If one lives in Indiana and in many places in the northern hemisphere, everything about autumn can be spiritual – spiritual in the sense of the possibilities presented to pull us into someone greater than ourselves, some mystery beautiful, intricate and inspiring.
Language barriers, smiles and unexpected gifts: Sister Denise Wilkinson reflects from France
I am getting to know each sister by paying attention to her expressions, her voice, her walk, her greeting of others. I notice her desire to communicate with me and her frustration at not knowing English.
Most of all I notice smiles. I didn’t expect smiles as comfort, joy, wordless compassion. Right now that’s what they are for me and I hope for the sisters I encounter.
Celebrating Sister Joni as she professes first vows on June 26
Sister Joni Luna professes her first vows as a Sister of Providence on June 26, 2016, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.
Congratulations to the 2016 gold and silver Jubilarians
Sister Denise reflects on three Sisters of Providence celebrating 50 years with the Congregation and one sisters celebrating 25 years as a sister. "All four of you answer the call of Jesus to reach out, to touch those longing for a deeper friendship with the Holy One. You touch those who mourn and those meek persons hungering for what rightfully is theirs though they are pushed to the sidelines by would-be leaders."