
- 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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Visiting Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
Founded in 1840 by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana is a place to relax, reflect or pray. You can immerse yourself in our fascinating history and amazing architecture. Many of our buildings are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a guided group tour or a self-guided tour where you can explore at your own pace. There is plenty to do indoors such as visiting the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Gueirn, the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Animal and nature lovers will discover an abundance of trees and plants as well as a variety of creatures such as alpacas and chickens. You can do a little shopping and stop for a bite to eat. All are welcome.

Our Lady of Providence Shrine to be re-dedicated
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence will be blessed in its new location at 4:30 p.m., April 6.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods: a place of welcome
(Reprinted from the Summer 2013 edition of HOPE) “It’s like experiencing a piece of happiness on Earth because of the beautiful grounds and the peaceful setting in nature. It is a wonderful place for meditation, retreat and relaxation.” ~ Theressa…


New Log Cabin Chapel at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to be dedicated and blessed on Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s feast day, Oct. 3
When Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her five companions arrived late in the day on Oct. 22, 1840, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, history was in the making. On Wednesday, Oct. 3, which is Saint Mother Theodore’s feast day, history will be…


Young Crawfordsville man offers sacrifice and prayer in walking to Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
“Ahh, I’m here.” And with that sigh of relief, Andrew Domini went to his knees and crawled the last 90-plus feet of his journey toward the sanctuary of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Yes, crawled; not…

Stations of the Cross at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
Some of the first items installed in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods were the Stations of the Cross. They were made in Munich, Germany. The Stations are sculptures that show various scenes of Jesus in his…

First chapel to be re-created at SMW
No worries if you’re not a history buff. The re-creation of the first log cabin chapel at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods will still be cool. Several years in the making, an authentic replica of the chapel visited by Saint Mother Theodore and…

First chapel visited by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin on her arrival at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to be re-created
A log cabin once stood with its sibling inside a Southern Indiana barn that was rotting away and was destined for bulldozing. Owensville, Ind., resident Faye Masterson, who loves to take pictures of old barns, learned about it and shared…

The pipe organ
Did you ever wonder what the largest instrument in the world is? You might be thinking a tuba or a grand piano? No, the largest instrument in the world is a pipe organ! The pipe organ is a musical instrument…

