The Civil War and WoodsUp.com

Are you a teacher or a parent who homeschools her children? Then the Sisters of Providence children’s Web site — www.WoodsUp.com — might be just for you! This site provides information, lesson plans and games in the subject areas of the environment, art and music, justice, history, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and faith and values. The history and justice sections reflect the Indiana Academic Standards.

If you are planning a Civil War unit during the winter or spring, check out that section here. This section also includes articles about Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. There is even information about the White House of the Confederacy and a short video about this historic building in Richmond, Virginia.

Church of the Immaculate Conception

Want to learn more about the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods? Then a couple of old publications from Archives might help you out!

Get a glimpse of what the interior of the church looked like before its 1986 renovation. And check out the restoration of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in this publication.

Picture of the Week: December 25

This Christmas card was sent by the Sisters of Providence General Administration in 1940, the year that the congregation celebrated their centennial anniversary. For more images of holidays past, visit the Archives' selection of seasonal images.

Our past in print

Want to take a walk down Providence, er, Memory Lane? Then check out “Our past in print” section of our Web site. In particular, check out our latest additions: Centenary of St. Anne Chapel, 1876-1976, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception restoration.

Enjoy!

Picture of the Week: December 18

Each December, Sisters of Providence celebrate Jubilees marking the number of years since they have entered the Congregation. December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, is the usual date for celebrations. Shown is Sister Grace Stewart (center), who is currently celebrating a whopping 80 years as a Sister of Providence! (With her are General Officer Sister Jane Marie Osterholt, left, and General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson.) Other sisters celebrated anniversaries of 60, 70, and 75 years. Congrats, sisters!

Videos from our Archives

Check out our latest videos on our YouTube channel! These three videos are from our oral history project featuring Sisters Marceline Mattingly, Marilyn Herber and Norene Wu. These Sisters of Providence participated in the oral history project, Religious Life Through the Generations.

To view only their videos on our Web site, click here.

Commitments of our newest Providence Associates

Our newest group of Providence Associates made their formal commitment with the Sisters of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. During the Rite of Commitment in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, each associate presented her or his commitment to either General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson or General Officer Sister Marsha Speth. The commitments and the new associates were then blessed by all present.

Click here to read the commitments of our newest Providence Associates.

Picture of the Week: December 11

The fountain at the end of The Avenue is decorated for Advent. For information about Advent and Christmas services at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, view our Holiday liturgical events listing.

Caroling on horseback

Seniors and faculty of Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College sang Christmas carols on horseback to Sisters of Providence and staff this morning at the motherhouse and SMWC.

This senior ride usually takes place late at night in the spring. The sisters and staff enjoyed the sounds of jingle bells, horses' hooves and Christmas carols at Owens, Hulman, Guerin and Le Fer halls; Woods Day Care; the library; and the Conservatory. The horses, tack and riders were decked out in holiday decor!

It was awesome!

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin touches people worldwide

Sister Barbara Doherty shared that she recently received the first prayer request from Saudi Arabia to the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Shrine. That brings the number of countries where prayer requests have originated to 63, with all five continents represented, since Sister Barbara became coordinator of the Office of the Shrine in 2007.

The names of people submitting prayer requests are written in a book placed at the interim Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore (pictured here).

You can read some of our prayers devoted to Saint Mother Theodore on our site. And you can submit prayer requests to the Shrine Office by visiting this page.

A Providence Associate update from Africa

Providence Associate Pat Stucke and her husband, Glen, have completed all of their oral proficiency interviews and written exams and are now on their way to their Peace Corps assignment! They will be teaching school and living in Lusanga, which is in the Tanga region of Tanzania.

Click here for their latest update.

Picture of the Week: November 27

Photo from the Sisters of Providence Archives: A Sister of Providence bastes a turkey at Holy Spirit Convent, Indianapolis, ca. 1960. Explore the Sisters of Providence Archives.

Associates make renewals in Chicago and California

Fourteen Providence Associates in the Chicago area and three in California renewed their commitments in separate ceremonies on Saturday, Nov. 21. Present at the Chicago-area Rite of Renewal was Sister Mary Alice Zander, director, who has faced recent health challenges. It was an inspiration to have her amid all those associates celebrating their special day.

In California, Sisters of Providence and other friends joined Linda McMahon, Pat Ruck and Jeannie Smith as they renewed their commitments.

Click here for images from the Chicago ceremony and here for the California celebration.

Picture of the Week: November 20

Sisters gather in St. Joseph Chapel on November 19 for a memorial service honoring those who were massacred at the Central American University (UCA) in El Salvador on November 16, 1989. Six Jesuit priests, a housekeeper and her daughter were killed that day. The perpetrators were members of the Salvadoran army who had received military training at the School of the Americas at Fort Benning in Colombus, Georgia.

This weekend numerous sisters, Providence Volunteer Ministers, students and friends will participate in a nonviolent vigil at Fort Benning, sponsored each year by SOA Watch. For more about the sisters' involvement, visit the Sisters of Providence Peace & Justice site.

Providence Associate begins ministry in Tanzania

In late September, Providence Associate Pat Stucke and her husband, Glen, left their home in Schererville, Ind., for a two-year, three-month stint in Tanzania with the Peace Corps. The couple has undergone intensive language proficiency and culture awareness training. Pat and Glen are looking forward to a swearing-in ceremony on Nov. 25.

Read about their adventures here.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 13 - day 9

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 5-13.

Nov. 13 — day 9

Our Lady of Providence, Hope of the Oppressed, pray that all persons may have meaningful work, just wages, financial and retirement security.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the church. The traditional singing of "Our Lady of Providence" by Sister Cecilia Clare Bocard will close the liturgy.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 12 - day 8

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 5-13.

Nov. 12 — day 8

Our Lady of Providence, Help of Christians, pray for victims of abuse, those suffering from the effects of hurricanes, earthquakes, drought, fire, floods and other natural disasters.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

23 Providence Candidate-Associates make commitments

On Saturday, Nov. 7, 23 Providence Candidate-Associates made their commitments during the Rite of Commitment and Eucharistic Liturgy in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Also on that day, 37 Providence Associates renewed their commitments. After the ceremony, everyone gathered in the auditorium of Owens Hall to celebrate with food and drink.

To view some images from the day, click here.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 11 - day 7

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 5-13.

Nov. 11 — day 7

Our Lady of Providence, Consolation of the Afflicted, pray for those suffering from addictions of any kind, from depression and other mental or emotional distress.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 10 - day 6

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 5-13.

Nov. 10 — day 6

Our Lady of Providence, Gate of Heaven, pray for the lonely, the abandoned, the dying, the grieving and the faithful departed.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 9 - day 5

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 5-13.

Nov. 9 — day 5

Our Lady of Providence, Mother of Grace and Mercy, pray for the marginalized: the poor, the elderly, the unborn, for prisoners, for victims of violence, and for world peace.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 8 - day 4

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 5-13.

Nov. 8 — day 4

Our Lady of Providence, help of the sick, pray for those suffering from chronic or terminal diseases of all kinds and those without medical assistance.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 7 - day 3

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 5-13.

Nov. 7 — day 3

Our Lady of Providence, Model of Disciples, pray for church and world leaders, teachers, retreatants and retreat directors, all students and universal conversion of hearts.
Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Two Providence Associates share God's Providence

Providence Associates are women and men who seek a deeper relationship with the Congregation. However, they continue their own way of life, sharing God’s Providence in the places they live and work.

Two Providence Associates who are sharing God’s Providence in very different locales are Rita Tatum and David Hammer. Rita, from Osceola, Ind., has helped to bring her community together to heal domestic violence. Learn more here.

David, an inmate on Death Row at the United States Federal Penitentiary in Terre Haute, shares with readers in the Oct. 26, 2009, issue of America how his art has helped him communicate with the world outside the walls of prison. Learn more here.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 6 - day 2

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 5-13.

Nov. 6 — day 2

Our Lady of Providence, Queen of the Home, pray for strong and happy marriages, safe pregnancies, peace within families, for those divorced or separated and for all children, especially the unborn.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence - Nov. 5 - day 1

The novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 5-13.

Nov. 5 — day 1

Our Lady of Providence, Mother of the Church, pray for our Holy Father, our bishops and all other clergy, religious, the laity and vocations to the priesthood or religious life.

Prayer to Our Lady of Providence

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother. We entrust to you our labors; bless them. We commend to you our needs; supply them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done. Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share the faith and hope that marked your life. Full of confidence in your power before God, we place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Providence Associates Commitment Ceremony set for Saturday, Nov. 7

The public is invited to attend the Providence Associates Rite of Commitment ceremony in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at 1:30 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, Nov. 7. The ceremony will include a Eucharistic Liturgy.

For more information about Providence Associates, click here.

Novena to Our Lady of Providence

The Sisters of Providence have been home to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence since May 1, 1925, but devotion to Our Lady of Providence began long before. The original painting, "Mater Divinae Providentiae," dates back to 1580 and came into the possession of the Barnabite Fathers at San Carlo ai Catinari in Rome. It was placed in a corridor there, where it began to draw faithful visitors.

While it is a beautiful piece of art, the Shrine also serves as a reminder of the importance of mothers. Special prayers are offered for the needs of all families, asking for the protection and intercession of Our Lady of Providence as Queen of the Home.

This year, the novena to Our Lady of Providence should be said Nov. 5-13. The novena will be offered daily through this blog. You can have it delivered to your inbox by clicking here to subscribe now.

The public is invited to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Providence on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. Providence Center staff and Sisters of Providence are included in a processional at the beginning and end of services. The painting of Our Lady of Providence, which is usually at the Shrine in Providence Center, will be placed in the sanctuary of the church. The traditional singing of "Our Lady of Providence" by Sister Cecilia Clare Bocard will close the liturgy.

More information about Our Lady of Providence can be found on the Sisters of Providence Web site at the links below:

• National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence
• Novena for Our Lady of Providence
• Our Lady of Providence Association
• History of devotion to Our Lady of Providence
• Our Lady of Providence prayers
  

Friends of Justice share the story of Donna Stites

In September, Dr. Alan Bean, executive director of Friends of Justice, expressed an interest in the convoluted theft and murder sentences of Providence Associate Donna Stites. Donna has been in prison since 1985 and is currently imprisoned in the Indiana Women's Prison in Indianapolis.

You can read Dr. Bean's story on Donna here. You can also read some straight talk from Donna here. Feel free to post comments at the bottom of each article.

Picture of the Week: October 30

The Church of the Immaculate Conception is visible through fall leaves on a rare sunny day this week at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Providence Candidate-Associates begin their journey

Twenty-six Providence Candidate-Associates began their journey with the Congregation during orientations held at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on Oct. 10 and 24. Click here for some images from the first orientation and here for photos of the second one.

Picture of the Week: October 23

Josh Videen and Brett Getchel, members of the FFA group from Osceola High School, Osceola, Wisc., meet the alpacas during a visit to White Violet Center for Eco-Justice. The group was in town because of the FFA Convention held in Indianapolis this week. See more pictures in the Sisters of Providence Photo Gallery.

Foundation Day

"I cannot tell you what passed within me during the next half hour. I do not know myself, but I was so deeply moved that I could not utter a word. We continued to advance into the thick woods till suddenly Father Buteux stopped the carriage and said, 'Come down, Sisters, we have arrived.'" — from the Journals and Letters of Mother Theodore Guerin, Oct. 22, 1840

Every time I read these words, it gives me chills. How many generations of people — knowing the story of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin or not — have remarked upon entering Saint Mary-of-the-Woods about "something special" they felt? Every time I read this I am reminded that Mother Theodore had the same experience, many years ago, in uncharted territory.

The Sisters of Providence will celebrate the anniversary of their foundation with a special Eucharistic Liturgy in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. The public is invited to attend. You can read more in our news releases.

Service and volunteerism on television

Today is the beginning of a week of story lines about the power of community service on television shows across all of the major television networks. Called iParticipate and sponsored by the Entertainment Industry Foundation, it's an event that "hopes to make service a part of who we are as Americans and show what we can achieve when we all pull together," according to their site.

As an organization whose members devote their life to service "among all of God's people" and others involved in the work of the Congregation - from Providence Volunteer Ministers to Providence Associates to volunteers with the Sisters of Providence Volunteer Services - I am sure many will be interested to see how television shows during this week portray service.

And to all of these people during this week of service, a message from the words of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin: "We would love to tell you again that every day we include you all in our labors and prayers."

Read more about iParticipate on the Providence Volunteer Ministry blog.

Former PVM and current staff member to release CD

If you are in the Terre Haute area Saturday (Oct. 17), stop by the CD release party for Christina Blust at 8 p.m. at Ivy Tech's Oakley Auditorium.

Christina was a 2006-07 Providence Volunteer Minister. She has been a designer in the Sisters of Providence Office of Congregational Advancement since 2007 (and a poster on this blog for exactly two weeks).

Christina is a talented singer-songwriter. The public can take "note" of her skills during a performance Saturday — solo and with her band Yearbook Committee 73.

You can find a sampling of Christina's music, as well as her new CD "Sudden Amaryllis" on her Web site at http://www.christinablust.com/.

Only a few days until Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Fest

On Oct. 23-25, we are offering a very special weekend to help you "Live with purpose — energize your faith!"

The first Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Fest begins next Friday with a candlelight procession filled with song and prayer, followed by a bonfire and sing-along. (See the full schedule here.)

Saturday begins with the morning prayer option of your choice: Adoration in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, tai chi, drumming circle, Liturgy of the Hours or a Labyrinth walk. Throughout the day, choose from many different speakers on sustainability, Mother Theodore's journey, the labyrinth, vocations, service opportunities and so much more. Then, enjoy keynote presentations by people who will inspire you to "Live with purpose — energize your life." End the evening with a special concert by contemporary Christian artist Nick Cardilino.

Go forth on Sunday after you enjoy the General Assembly presentation by General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson and followed by Eucharistic Liturgy with the Sisters of Providence.

Come and enjoy the entire weekend with your family or just come for your choice of events. Registration is $25 per person or $100 for a families of four or more. Advance registration is encouraged, but on-site registration begins at 3 p.m. Friday.

Download the brochure here.

Download the registration form here.

Join us for this exciting event!

Living with Christ

Living with Christ magazine features our foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, in the October issue as the "Guide for the Journey" feature. October is a special month for the Sisters of Providence. Oct. 3 is Saint Mother Theodore Guerin's Feast Day and she was canonized on Oct. 15, 2006. Also, Mother Theodore first stepped foot at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on Oct. 22, 1840, in what is celebrated as the Congregation's Foundation Day.

You can read the article on the Living with Christ Web site.

Signs of life in the desert

From Providence in the Desert — During the past few weeks, as we have been driving down to class, we have noticed some plowed fields, little shoots pushing up and even small groups of people beginning to care for them. Most of our students will not be employed before November, but we definitely see light at the end of a long, hot tunnel. This week we actually have had double-digit temperatures (you have to live here to appreciate it) and the nights are cold.

We began ESL classes early in September. This year we have three contracted teachers besides us three sisters. Each of these is teaching one evening class. We are especially pleased that one of these is a student of Sister Carol's; Martha teaches the beginning class at Duro’s in the same room with Sisters Loretta and Concetta. Loretta is observing her (Loretta is the director of teachers) and reports that Martha is doing an excellent job. The other two teachers work in the local school system. Sal teaches in Salton City and Gretchen at Coachella Valley High School. They are both lovely to work with and happy to be giving service.

The sisters continue to be well occupied. Besides the class at Duro’s, Loretta is teaching in Salton City (quite a trek) on Avenue 66 and at Sunbird Park on Avenue 65. Concetta teaches on Avenue 76 as well as at Duro’s. Also this year, in response to their request, she is instructing two priests at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Indio. Carol continues her class on Avenue 70. Her five third-grade classes at Oasis School in rural Thermal are putting the fine touches on Take Me Out to the Ball Game and over at Saul Martinez School in Mecca 12 violinists and six guitarists are learning to hold their instruments.

Because of a wonderful donation from Ted Foley, an area friend, we are almost ready to launch our Rosetta Stone project, complete with new laptops. Gretchen is familiar with the program, so her class will use most of the computers. We also recently received a “grand grant” (truly, it is!) from the Conrad Hilton Fund for Sisters. This grant will greatly assist us in paying our teachers.
We count on your prayers at all times! Know that you are in ours, also, at all times. A fine arrangement!

Blessings and love from everyone at Providence in the Desert.

We welcome our new Providence Candidate-Associates

On Saturday, Oct. 10, our first group of 2009-2010 Providence Candidate-Associates met for an orientation at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. A special visit from “Saint Mother Theodore Guerin” and a blessing during Mass were included in the day. Click here to see some photos from the day.

Picture of the Week: October 9, 2009

Sister Jody O'Neil (at right in pink shirt) shows her work and techniques with a local Lifelong Learning group at the Roethele Studio at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. Sister Jody is the Sisters of Providence Artist in Residence. Learn more about her work at her Web site.

YouTube, I tube, we all tube

The Sisters of Providence have launched a YouTube channel to share video from ministries and the commercials we air. If you have a YouTube account, we would love it if you would subscribe to our channel and leave comments there.

Launching this channel also gives us the added benefit of having free hosting for videos we wish to embed on our site. You can see some of those videos around the site today in these areas:

• White Violet Center for Eco-Justice - Harvesting Honey
• Volunteer Services - Current opportunities
• Volunteer Services - Why volunteer?
• The Gift Shop at Providence Center

We hope you enjoy yet another way the Sisters of Providence are trying to share their mission with the world.

Susan Weber: a spiritual life in progress

Providence Associate Susan “Sue” Weber knows her spiritual life is a work in progress. But with the help of her companion, Sister Carole Kimes, and the writings of Saint Mother Theodore, Sue can readily see how Providence has worked in her life. Click here to learn more about Sue.

Catholic sisters shaped this country

The United States House of Representatives recently honored the "social, cultural and political contributions of Catholic sisters" in House Resolution 441. (See our news release.)

This honor was no doubt influenced by the traveling museum exhibit "Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America."

A few months ago, our entire office and a handful of others packed on a bus and rode to the Cincinnati Museum Center to see the exhibit. Of course, we felt a special tug to see the exhibit - some of our co-workers were responsible for submitting materials to the exhibit and we knew Saint Mother Theodore Guerin would be featured.

Although I would have liked to have seen more about the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., (would it have been too much to ask for a floor-to-ceiling statue of Mother Theodore?), the exhibit was fantastic. It brought back a lot of memories and enriched my appreciation for my Catholic education. It was interesting to compare the history I know about the Sisters of Providence with the history of Catholic sisters across the U.S. In nearly every element covered in the exhibit, I could think of Sisters of Providence who had been involved in a similar endeavor — whether it was education, health care, social services, justice, civil rights work, nursing care during the Civil War, the rights of women, artistic work and so much more.

The exhibit, though, seemed to take care not to glorify the lives of Catholic sisters, exploring difficult subjects such as classism and racism within congregations, including the ownership of slaves.

The exhibit is well worth your time. It is currently at the Women's Museum in Dallas until Dec. 13, then it will travel to Washington, D.C., Liberty Island, N.Y., and Dubuque, Iowa. (The schedule is here.)

Tiny Tim had big presence at the Woods

It's amazing what one photo from Archives can put into action. Archives staff member Sister Stacy Pierce shared one photo of a staff member named Tiny Tim and people started talking. For more than 40 years, Andrew "Tiny Tim" O'Dwyer was the face of security at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Click here to read more about his story.

New statue of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin with children dedicated

All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Ill., commissioned a statue from Providence Associate Teresa Clark, who is also the artist of the official Saint Mother Theodore Guerin statue recently installed at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. (A really beautiful miniature version of the official statue is available through the Gift Shop at Providence Center.)

The All Saints Cemetery statue features Saint Mother Theodore with two young girls and one of my favorite quotes from her. She wrote this bit of advice to her sisters on mission, "Love the children first, then teach them."

You can see more pictures of the dedication in Des Plaines by clicking here.

Introducing the Sisters of Providence YouTube channel

We have a YouTube channel now! So far we have one video up (the Honey Harvesting one I've embedded below) but stay tuned for more.

More blogs!

As we launch this Sisters of Providence blog, it's also a good time to share with you two blogs by SP ministries that have been available for a few weeks now:

• White Violet Center for Eco-Justice
• Providence Volunteer Ministry

You can receive e-mail updates to this blog, plus both of these blogs, by entering your email address in the "Subscribe via email" link for each blog.

Enjoy!

Welcome!

It's exciting to finally be able to launch the Sisters of Providence blog. We are very fortunate to have a lot of great tools available to help share the story and mission of the Sisters of Providence, but for many difficult and sometimes silly reasons, blogs have alluded us.

In other words, this has been a long time coming and I, for one, am glad it's here.

All of us "behind the scenes" folks look forward to being able to use this blog to help share Sisters of Providence information, stories, photos and more with all of the blog readers out there!