
- 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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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 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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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.

Women’s History Month: God chooses the humble
Like any human, Saint Mother Theodore had her doubts about her upcoming mission to the New World. “The Eighth American Saint” describes her feelings: “What chiefly troubled her [Saint Mother Theodore] about this new mission was that its success or…

Women’s History Month: Thank goodness she said no!
Prior to her entrance into the Sisters of Providence of Ruillé, France, Anne-Thérèse Guerin (aka Saint Mother Theodore) did have a few suitors. “The Eighth American Saint” describes an encounter between Anne-Thérèse and one young man: “‘I feel I must…

General Superior summons foundress to support new SMWC president
Sister Denise Wilkinson, general superior of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, offered the following comments during the announcement of a new president for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Dr. Dottie King. Dr. King had served as interim president for about…
Sisters of Providence offer comment on newly released book
The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, have prepared a response to the publication of “The Third Miracle,” by author Bill Briggs, scheduled for release Tuesday, Jan. 11. “We are grateful that Mr. Briggs chose to feature the canonization…

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin receives another honor
How was Saint Mother Theodore Guerin a pioneer? Let us count the ways! She led a group of five other Sisters of Providence on a treacherous ocean voyage, through densely wooded terrain to a forest that became home. She was…

Foundation Day – Oct. 22, 2010
Happy Foundation Day! Happy 170th anniversary of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College! In the name of the Sisters of Providence and our Providence Associates, I extend a warm welcome to all present here…

Letter from a saint: to Sister Gabriella
Portions of a letter to Sister Gabriella of Fort Wayne, Ind. (Sister Gabriella O’Neill was Mother Theodore’s first postulant of 1841. She was born in 1804 and died in 1875. The letter was dated Sept. 23, 1855.) “It is with…

Letter from a saint: to Rev. J. Bouvier
Portions of a letter to the Most Rev. J. Bouvier (The Most Rev. J. Bouvier was the Bishop of Le Mans, France. This letter was dated April 20, 1854.) “America is truly a wonderful country for ‘improvements,’ an English word…

Letter from a saint: to Rev. J. Bouvier
Portions of a letter to the Most Rev. J. Bouvier (The Most Rev. J. Bouvier was the Bishop of Le Mans, France. This letter was dated Jan. 6, 1854.) “Our boarding school here at Saint Mary’s is also well attended…

Letter from a saint: to Bishop Bouvier
Portions of a letter to the Most Rev. J. Bouvier (The Most Rev. J. Bouvier was the Bishop of Le Mans, France. This letter was dated Feb. 23, 1843. Mother Theodore is referring to the aftermath of the Oct. 2,…

Letter from a saint: to Father Martin
Portions of a letter to the Rev. Augustine Martin, May 1, 1841 (Father Martin gave the sisters their first retreat in the United States Nov. 30 to Dec. 7, 1840. In 1841, he was the pastor of the parish in…

Women’s History Month: Mother Theodore and the church
After receiving the Blessed Sacrament upon her arrival at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Mother Theodore Guerin examined the church a little more closely. This is what she writes about it: “No tabernacle, no altar, for can the name of altar be given to…
