Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | S.P. |
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| Formation | 22 October 1840 |
| Type | religious institute |
| Headquarters | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana |
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General Superior
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Sister Dawn Tomaszewski |
| Website | sistersofprovidence.org |
| Remarks | Founded by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin |
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The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are a group of Catholic women who dedicate their lives to God. They were started by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, in 1840. Mother Theodore and five other sisters came from France. They were invited by the Bishop of Vincennes to begin a new group of Sisters of Providence in the United States.
In 1843, the Indiana group became independent from the French sisters. Their rules were officially approved by the Catholic Church leaders in 1887. Since 1840, over 5,200 women have joined the Sisters of Providence. As of 2014, there were about 350 sisters. Most of them live and work from their main home in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. Other sisters work in 17 U.S. states, Washington D.C., and Asia.
Today, the sisters have missions in Asia. They used to have missions in Peru and Antigua. Sisters of Providence use the letters "SP" after their names.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin became a saint on October 15, 2006. A special healing that happened in 1908 was accepted by the Catholic Church. This helped her become a saint. Her resting place is in a special shrine near the Church of the Immaculate Conception. A part of her remains is also buried in the Sisters of Providence Convent Cemetery.
Contents
A Look at Their History
In 1840, Bishop Simon Bruté asked the Sisters of Providence in France for help. He wanted them to open a school and help people in Indiana. Sister St. Theodore Guerin came with five other sisters. They were Sister St. Vincent Ferrer, Sister Basilide, Sister Olympiade, Sister Mary Xavier, and Sister Mary Liguori.
After a long trip, the sisters arrived in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, on October 22, 1840. They stayed with a local family, Joseph and Sarah Thralls. This spot is now marked with a special sign. The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods became their own group. Their rules were fully approved by the Catholic Church in 1887.
Teaching and Schools
The sisters started as teachers. In 1840, they began building a school for girls called "The Academy." The first student joined on July 4, 1841. This academy is now known as Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. It is the oldest Catholic college for women in the United States. By 1846, the college could give out degrees.
The sisters soon ran or taught in many local schools. These included St. Joseph's, St. Benedict's, and St. Patrick's schools in Terre Haute. As their good work became known, the Sisters of Providence taught in schools across Indiana. They also worked in Illinois, Massachusetts, California, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, and Washington D.C. Internationally, they taught in China, Taiwan, and Peru.
Helping During the Civil War
In May 1861, the Sisters of Providence were asked to help at City Hospital in Indianapolis. Many soldiers had measles at a nearby army camp. The U.S. Government turned it into a military hospital during the war. The sisters helped with washing, cooking, cleaning, and nursing. Doctors praised their "noble and self-sacrificing efforts."
The sisters also helped at a Confederate prison in Indianapolis. It held 7,000 prisoners at one time. They cared for soldiers there, too. After a big battle, the Bishop of Vincennes offered a seminary for the sick and wounded. The sisters helped care for soldiers there. When the war ended, the sisters opened St. John's Infirmary. It was for soldiers who were not strong enough to travel home.
Missions in Asia
The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods were the first American Catholic sisters to start a mission in China.
Working in Kaifeng
In 1919, a bishop from Kaifeng, China, asked the sisters to open a school for young women. Sister Marie Gratia Luking led a group of sisters to Kaifeng. They arrived on November 24, 1920. Soon, they opened a medical clinic and the Hua Mei School for Girls. The sisters worked there until 1927. They had to leave when the Communist army reached Kaifeng. They found safety with other sisters in Korea.
In 1929, they returned to Kaifeng. They opened an orphanage and a place for Chinese women to become sisters. This local group of sisters was approved by the Pope in 1932. They also opened Ching I Middle School in 1932.
During World War II
By 1935, Japan was threatening China. Air raids and attacks became common. Kaifeng was bombed in 1938. The school and novitiate became a safe place for people. Even after Kaifeng fell to the Japanese in 1938, the sisters stayed.
On December 8, 1941, Japanese soldiers attacked the sisters' home in Kaifeng. The American sisters had to move to other safe places. On March 22, 1943, the Sisters of Providence and other American missionaries were held in a camp. Later, they were moved to Peking and kept under house arrest.
After the war ended in September 1945, the sisters returned to Kaifeng. They repaired their buildings. But China soon had more fighting between different groups. The U.S. advised Americans to leave. The sisters spent time in Shanghai.
Starting Fresh in Taiwan
As China came under Communist rule, 23 Sisters of Providence moved to Taiwan. They settled in Taichung. Sister Luking and the other sisters began building a new college. This school, now called Providence University, opened in 1949. It moved to Shalu, Taichung, in 1987.
Today, Sisters of Providence work in many ways in Taiwan. Besides Providence University, they help children and adults with disabilities. They run centers like St. Theresa Opportunity Center, Reed School, St. Camillus de Lellis Center, and Miracle Place.
What They Believe In
The Sisters of Providence believe in being "God's Providence in the world." This means they commit to showing love, mercy, and justice to all people.
Each sister can worship in her own way. At their main home in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, they have daily mass. The grounds also have many special places for prayer. These include the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and the Saint Anne Shell Chapel. There is also a Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence. A walking path with the Stations of the Cross leads to the Sisters of Providence Convent Cemetery.
Their Work Today
Sisters of Providence work in many areas. These include education, health care, peace, justice, and helping people grow spiritually. They also fund several organizations that help others.
Providence Spirituality & Conference Center
This center welcomes visitors to the Sisters of Providence. It offers retreats and other events. It is also the entrance to the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. The center has historical dioramas that show their story. There is also a gift shop and a dining hall.
White Violet Center for Eco-Justice
The White Violet Center for Eco-Justice focuses on organic farming and caring for the environment. It teaches about eco-justice and spiritual ecology. Started in 1995, the center has alpacas, organic farmland, bees, a berry patch, and orchards. It is known for its work in connecting religion and ecology.
Guerin Outreach Ministries
This ministry has two main parts: Providence Family Services in Chicago and Providence in the Desert in California. These groups help adults learn to read and get their GED. They also offer tutoring for kids, English as a Second Language classes, and computer classes. They provide counseling too.
Making a Difference in Society
After the Second Vatican Council, the sisters decided to focus on social justice. This means working for fairness in society. They care about women's roles, eco-justice, fighting racism, and promoting nonviolent ways to achieve peace. They also support immigrant rights and help people living in poverty.
Many of their ministries, like White Violet Center and Guerin Outreach Ministries, work on these issues. The sisters also give grants to groups that help people in need. They are a founding member of the 8th Day Center for Justice in Chicago.
Against the Death Penalty and for Prison Reform
Many Sisters of Providence visit and write to people in prison. In 1995, they publicly spoke out against the death penalty. They organize prayer vigils, write to leaders, and share their views with the media.
The only federal execution chamber in the U.S. is near Terre Haute, Indiana. This is only five miles from the sisters' main home.
Promoting Nonviolence
The Sisters of Providence have a team that works to stop systemic racism. They want to end racism within their own group and in society. Their prayer for Non-violence asks for courage to speak up for what is right.
Helping Prisoners of Conscience
Since 1990, many sisters have protested the training of military officers at the School of the Americas. This school is in Fort Benning, Georgia. Some sisters have taken direct action, like crossing onto federal property. They have faced legal consequences for this. For example, Sister Kathleen Desautels served six months in prison in 2001. Other sisters have been given house arrest or community service.
Green Projects
The Sisters of Providence have a strong recycling program. They also use a special watering system for their organic gardens and orchards. This helps them save water and protect the environment.
Leaders of the Sisters of Providence
- Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, the founder; leader from 1840–1856
- Mother Mary Cecilia Bailly, 1856–1868
- Mother Anastasie Brown, 1868–1874
- Sister Anne Doherty, 1981–1986
- Mother Mary Cleophas Foley, 1890–1926, started Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and the mission in China
- Mother Marie Helene Franey, 1948–1953
- Mother Mary Ephrem Glenn, 1874–1883
- Mother Euphrasie Hinkle, 1883–1889
- Mother Rose Angela Horan, 1960–1966
- Mother Mary Bernard Laughlin, 1938–1948
- Sister Nancy Nolan, 1986–1996
- Sister Ann Margaret O'Hara, 2001–2006
- Mother Gertrude Clare Owens, 1954–1960
- Mother Mary Pius Regnier, 1966–1976
- Sister Diane Ris, 1996–2001
- Sister Loretta Schafer, 1976–1981
- Mother Mary Raphael Slattery, 1926–1938
- Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, 2016-present
- Sister Denise Wilkinson, 2006–2016
Other Notable Sisters
- Sister Judith Birgen, a professor and lecturer in Uganda
- Sister Cecilia Clare Bocard, a musician and composer
- Sister Irma Le Fer de la Motte, an early sister and teacher
- Sister Barbara Doherty, an educator and theologian, president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Sister Jeanne Knoerle, an author and educator, president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Sister Ann Joseph Morris, known for caring for bees
- Mary Theodosia Mug, a biographer of Mother Theodore
- Sister Esther Newport, a painter, art educator, and founder of the Catholic Art Association
- Sister Edith Pfau, a painter, sculptor, and art educator
- Sister Alexa Suelzer, a theologian, author, and educator
See also
In Spanish: Hermanas de la Providencia de Saint Mary-of-the-Woods para niños
- St. Elizabeth Church and School
