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.
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.
Journals and Letters week 43: Jesuits and mothering and nieces
And finally, what a sweet gift to Mother Theodore. Two of her nieces come to the United States to join the Congregation!
An unbreakable promise
True to her word, after her safe arrival at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Mother Theodore had a small log chapel built on a little hill in the forest east of the convent
Journals and Letters week 42: Put yourself gently into the hands of Providence
This week’s letters show the breadth of Mother Theodore as loving friend, sister and dedicated leader. She is a wonderful person for offering guidance, wisdom and truthfulness
Mother Theodore offers support for living with mental illness
Some mornings Mother Theodore keeps me from my impulses by saying, “The way is not yet clear, grope along slowly. Be patient. Be trustful.”
Sometimes when I am overwhelmed, I read, “We are not called upon to do all the good possible, but only that which we can do.”
Some mornings, when I am struggling and could use a hug, I open to this, “No one will ever love you as your old Mother Theodore does.”
Journals and Letters week 41: Oh, Maria and other friends
Although she felt affection, appreciation and friendship for each of the people she writes to this week, Mother Theodore is still able to be firm.