
- About
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Love, mercy, justice
The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are a community of vowed Catholic women religious. Inspired by our foundress Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, we are passionate about our lives of prayer, education, service and advocacy.
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- Justice
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Break boundaries, create hope
Spirituality and justice go hand-in-hand. We are committed to walking with those on the margins. Join us on our journey to make Earth better for all.
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- Be inspired
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What inspires you?
We all need a little spiritual inspiration sometimes. Let the wisdom of our Providence Community support you on your journey.
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- Visit
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Experience the Woods
From the moment you step onto the grounds at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, you know you're somewhere special. There's something for everyone at the Woods.
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- Get involved
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Where do you fit in?
Reconnect or find new opportunities with the Providence Community. Volunteer in one of our many ministries, be an intern on the farm, explore job opportunities or reminisce about your alma mater.
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- Join
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Join the Providence Family
Live joyfully! Single, Catholic women ages 18-42 are invited to explore a fulfilling life as a Sister of Providence. All women and men of faith are invited to join the family of Providence as Providence Associates.
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- Prayer Requests
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Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
An unshakeable trust in God. It set Saint Mother Theodore Guerin apart and makes her a model for us in our daily living. Get to know our brave and inspiring foundress better through these stories.

New Providence Associate candidates share what brought them here
“A friend told me ‘You are looking for the feminine face of God, and you’ve caught a glimpse of it in the Sisters of Providence.”
“Even as a child I was always in awe of the spiritual feeling you get here.”
Providence Associate candidates share what brought them here.

A Reflection for the Feast of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
May we never forget why she came here

Mother Theodore Moment: a history of collaborating in leadership
Sister Mary Cecilia Bailey reflected on Saint Mother Theodore’s style of leadership in a letter sent May 16, 1856: “She blended the tenderness of a Mother with the firmness of a Superior so perfectly that her government was most happy and effectual . . . "

Struggling to speak out against injustice with Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
In the midst of her own pain and struggles, Mother Theodore still considered the most painful sight to be that of the injustice of owning other human beings. She looked upon her fellow human beings with compassion, saw clearly the results of an unjust structure, and yearned to end the suffering.

A special family visit
'Saint Mary-of-the-Woods is a place of gifts; a place of rejuvenation.'

Reminders of the beauty of God
"The beauties of nature were continual reminders to her of the beauty of God; it was a thought she loved to put frequently before our minds. The luxuriance of the foliage suggested the bounty and infinite power of the Creator; the beauty of winter in its snowy mantle, purity of soul and the splendor of that spotlessness. "
Mother Anastasie Brown shares her first-hand memories of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her connection to nature.

Photos: Welcome Emily! A new Sister of Providence postulant
The Sisters of Providence welcomed a new young woman to the Congregation on Wednesday. Emily TeKolste of Carmel, Indiana, officially entered the Congregation with a knocking prayer ritual. Enjoy the photos!

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin: A torchbearer!
Torch Relay to take place at approximately 5 p.m., on Sept. 21, at Fairbanks Park

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin: On the instruction of children
"But do you remember what are the most powerful rewards? A good word, a look of approbation, a little jest is sometimes sufficient for correcting one when the most severe penances would not have conquered." Previously unpublished advice from Saint Mother Theodore Guerin on instructing children.

Fresh air for the soul
Enjoy these photos of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on a misty early morning in late August. The Sisters of Providence invite you to come, breathe in the beauty of the Woods. Plan your visit or schedule your tour soon. Don’t we all…

Remembering Sister Loretta Schafer
In 1976, Sister Loretta was elected the 13th general superior of the Sisters of Providence

A note in distress: unpublished Saint Mother Theodore
"I went to see Monseigneur upon my arrival last evening. I returned this morning; that interview was more than enough to make me quite sick. My God, have mercy on me!"
A note from Saint Mother Theodore during a time of oppression from the bishop.
