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.
Sisters of Providence ministry founders
any Sisters of Providence have followed in the footsteps of foundress Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her early companions by establishing and founding ministries to meet the needs of those around them throughout the years. Here is a look at just a few of those ministries:
Mother Theodore, Providence Associate Kate Childs Graham: writers encouraging goodness
It’s doubtful Mother Theodore wrote so her words would be preserved. She may have written to encourage others to persevere. Providence Associate Kate Childs Graham, speech writer for Vice President Kamala Harris, seems to have that same hope — that her writing will encourage others to persevere in living lives of faith, commitment, candor and compassion.
A legacy of love, prayer and service
When today’s Sisters of Providence describe the spirituality of Mother Theodore, they speak of her deep, joyous love of God. Of her warm affection for her sisters. Her abiding trust in Providence. Of her resilience. Her passion for the mission. And her practical piety.
Leaning and leading like Saint Mother Theodore
me in the community’s history with a particular responsibility on behalf of our mission has so challenged me to ‘lean on Providence,’ that I know I will never be the same. It has been a grace-filled time for me, during which I have been challenged beyond measure to ‘give the Holy Spirit free access to my mind and heart.’
Journals and Letters week 50: Mother Theodore and Summit City
We see in this week's reading the connection between Mother Theodore, Reverend Benoit and Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Journals and Letters week 49: The death of an angel
Mother Theodore bares her heart in these beautiful letters about the death of her dear friend, Sister St. Francis Xavier.
Journals and Letters week 48: Direct and loving advice from Mother Theodore
In her letter to Sister Maria, Mother Theodore’s tone seems direct, stern and loving. (How does Mother Theodore so consistently manage blending those seeming opposites?)
Journals and Letters week 47: Letting things take their course
Mother Theodore’s long letters have a common theme, loving one another. She advises Mary Xavier to “bear with the defects of others. Endeavor not to cause others to suffer, and you yourself try to endure the little annoyances which are unavoidable in the necessary relations with others.”
Stories from the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Historic District
Here are some of the sites from the art exhibit “Stories from the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Historic District,” now on display at the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute.
Journals and Letters week 46: God’s flowers
Mother Theodore followed the death announcement with a telling of this young (aged 21) sister’s story. We learn that she lived her faith and her vocation in a most holy and virtuous way, and she approached her death with serenity.
Journals and Letters week 45: Sorrows and shadows
“Indeed it is very difficult, and it requires an uncommon virtue, not to make others suffer when we suffer,” writes Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.
Journals and Letters week 44: Full as an egg and a tribute to a friend
I love her balanced approach and the fact that she is not threatened by the presence or success of others.