- 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
- Contact us
- Donate
Into history?
If you’re a history buff, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods is a treasure trove of architecture and artifacts.
Founded in 1840, Saint Mother Theodore and the Sisters of Providence contributed significantly to settling Indiana.
Did you know that 66 buildings, sites, structures and objects at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Seventeen of those were built during the leadership of Mother Mary Cleophas Foley, general superior from 1890-1926. The Church of the Immaculate Conception was completed in 1907. Other buildings of this era include: The Woodland Inn (1894); Guerin Hall and the Conservatory of Music (1913); the O’Shaughnessy Dining Hall (1921) and The Blessed Sacrament Chapel and Le Fer Hall (both in 1924).
Learn more about the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Historic District.

Here are some of the great buildings you’ll get to explore.
Throughout the grounds you’ll also see stones which mark some extremely noteworthy sites.

Arrival rock
You can stand where Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her traveling companions first stepped down on the sacred ground of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on October 22, 1840 after surviving an arduous, four-month voyage from France.

First Mass
By the ravine near Providence Hall you can see the site of the first Mass offered at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods by Bishop Bruté, first bishop of Vincennes, January 6, 1837.

First Providence Convent
This spot marks the first convent which was first the home of Sarah and Joseph Thralls who generously shared their home for more than a month with 10 members of the Thralls family, Mother Theodore and her five French companions and four American postulants. The home was purchased for the sisters in late November 1840 by the Diocese of Vincennes.
Convent Cemetery
Take a walk through our Convent Cemetery and see the final resting place of more than 2100 great women who dedicated their lives to the Sisters of Providence. If you’d like more information about where you can find a specific sister, let us help.