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.