Profile of our 2010-2011 Providence Candidate-Associates

“I feel an emptiness I wish to fill. Becoming aware of the charism and the mission of the Sisters of Providence I feel I will be filled with grace which in turn will help fill my emptiness.”

This is what one person wrote on her application to become a Providence Candidate-Associate. Twenty other people submitted applications to become Providence Associates. Eighteen women and men will attend a day of orientation at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on Oct. 9 or 23. Three people from Taiwan will attend an orientation at a later date.

Just who are these 2010-2011 candidate-associates? Sixteen are women and five are men. Seventeen are Catholic. To find out more about these candidates, click here.

Letter from a saint

Portions of a letter to Sister Basilide Sénéschal in Madison, Ind.

(This letter was dated Nov. 3, 1851.)

“Sister Mary Cecilia [Bailly] has a very severe cold. Her lungs are so weak that I have fear when I hear her cough. She never complains. When she says she is sick it will be time to give her Extreme Unction. I do not see her for weeks, except in the chapel.

“If you could attract more pupils for music I would be very glad; for, first, Sister Celestia can teach it very well, and, second, we are going to be in pressing need for our new house. The carpenter asks thirty-five hundred dollars for the work alone, without even furnishing a nail. Imagine what will be needed for the whole — not a cent less than ten thousand dollars. Where shall we find this amount? But, after all, we are the daughters of Divine Providence. The sum will be paid in a short time, I mean in a few years. I wish I were as sure that we shall then be good Religious.” (“Journals and Letter,” pp. 323-324)

To learn more about Mother Mary Cecilia Bailly, click here.

The Red Mass

Hard to believe that a tradition started in the year 1245 still has relevance today. But that's the year that a Red Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral of Paris. It soon spread to other European countries. The tradition made its way to the United States in 1877 at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Detroit.

What is a Red Mass? Well, it is a special liturgy that invokes blessings from the Holy Spirit for judges, attorneys, professors, students, paralegals and government officials who work for or administer justice in our society.

The Sisters of Providence will host a Red Mass at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The liturgy is open to the public and to people of all faith traditions.

Because our Red Mass will be offered on a Sunday, we are obligated to follow the readings of the day, the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. But, as Providence would have it, those readings offer a justice theme. Also, special blessings will be offered in addition to the regular liturgy.

The best-known Red Mass is celebrated on the last Sunday of September in Washington, D.C., to recognize the opening of a new year for the Supreme Court of the United States, which is Oct. 1. Several, if not all, Supreme Court justices attend that mass, along with high-ranking government officials.

The Sisters of Providence hosted their first Red Mass in 2008, with the permission of the Archbishop of Indianapolis. The liturgical celebration is being restarted this year with the hope of making an annual offering. Those who work for and administer justice in the Terre Haute area have received special invitations. Those who attend will process into the church and several of them will participate as liturgical ministers.

The Red Mass has been a tradition in several larger cities in the United States for decades. And for trivia enthusiasts, think about this: An episode of The West Wing, starring Martin Sheen as President Jed Bartlett, was titled "The Red Mass."

Letter from a saint

Portions of a letter to Queen Amelia of France

(In the spring of 1843, Mother Theodore and Sister Mary Cecilia Bailly traveled to France to seek funds for the fledgling community that was devastated by the October 1842 fire. Thanks to Queen Amelia the visit was a success and money was donated to the sisters’ cause. This letter was dated April 28, 1844.)

“Before leaving my beloved country I wished to tell you the pleasure it gave me to receive the portrait of Your Majesty. I was writing to you when the Commissary General came to say that the ship was waiting for me. I was thus obliged to hasten to embark, as the Nashville was already under sail. In a few minutes we had left France.

“The voyage was long and perilous. On the twenty-second of December, beginning at two o’clock in the morning, there was a frightful tempest. At one time the ship was turned on end by angry waves. In this moment of danger, after the example of one of our Kings, we invoked the God of the Queen. We asked Him sadly why He let us find favor with her, if we were to perish now. He heard our supplications and reversed the ship to natural position in manner quite miraculous.” (“Journals and Letter,” p. 130)

For quick facts about the life of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, click here.

Providence Associate Pat Stucke of Schererville, Ind., and her husband, Glen, have just completed their first year in Tanzania as Peace Corps volunteers. As Peace Corps volunteers, Pat and Glen are teachers, but now they wear many more hats than that. The Stuckes’ mission includes writing grants, HIV/AIDS training and awareness programs, gardening and much, much more.

To learn more about Pat and Glen, click here.

To read their latest e-mail communique, click here.

Southern Indiana associates and candidate gather

Providence Associates and Candidate-Associates are from all over the United States and Taiwan. Associates and candidates from regions across the U.S. have formed groups to stay in contact and support one another. This past weekend, some of the associates and one candidate from southern Indiana gathered at the Woods for a mini-retreat. Joining them for their retreat were Sisters Mary Mundy and Joanna Valentino.

To read more about the group’s weekend activities, click here. To learn more about Providence Associates, click here.

Letter from a saint

Portions of a letter to the Sisters of Providence serving in Jasper, Ind.

(This letter was dated March 20, 1843. The mission in Jasper was started in 1842.)

“I fully enter into all your difficulties; that is the same as telling you that I suffer with you. Need I tell you that I pray for you? Every thought of my dear Sisters in Jasper is a prayer. You are lonesome, and so are we; but of this separation we do not complain. We cannot do our work if we all stay in the nest. A[s] soon as the birds fly they must be on the wing, looking after the interests of our Saviour Jesus. We shall make no account of our personal feelings except to sacrifice them. Say often, My God, I thank Thee that I have this to suffer. Offer it to Him. He will be pleased with your child-like simplicity. And rest assured, my dear daughters, if you lean with all your weight upon Providence you will find yourselves well supported. I approve of the practices you have imposed upon yourselves in honor of St. Joseph. Pray, be humble, be charitable, and God’s blessing will be with you.” (“Journals and Letter,” pp. 97-98)

To view some Saint Mother Theodore Guerin medals, visit The Gift Shop.

A tradition of non-violence

Florida Pastor Terry Jones called off his plan to burn the Muslim holy book the Koran (also spelled Quran) at the last minute. But before this, our Sister Donna Butler wrote this letter to the editor. (It was not published.) We are grateful this planned act of hate was called off, but know the sentiments in Sister Donna's letter are still timely as many acts of violence perpetuated by extremism continue around the world.

We hope you will join with Sister Donna and many other Sisters of Providence who daily pray the Litany of Non-Violence.

Dear Editor:
I am appalled by the idea of burning the Koran. To my Muslim sisters and brothers, I am deeply sorry for the hateful and vicious actions that are taking place. Extremists can be found in almost any faith. That is no excuse to stereotype everyone and perpetuate the violence. I encourage others to sign an online petition at www.care2.com against this latest proposed act of hate.

The Sisters of Providence have a Litany of Nonviolence which many of us pray daily.
I invite others to join us in this prayer of conversion.

Provident God, aware of our own brokenness,
we ask the gift of courage to identify how and where
we are in need of conversion in order to live in
solidarity with Earth and all creation.

Deliver us from the violence of superiority and disdain.
Grant us the desire, and the humility, to listen
with special care to those whose experiences
and attitudes are different from our own.

Deliver us from the violence of greed and privilege.
Grant us the desire, and the will, to live simply
so others may have their just share of Earth’s resources.

Deliver us from the silence that gives consent
to abuse, war and evil.
Grant us the desire, and the courage, to risk speaking
and acting for the common good.

Deliver us from the violence of irreverence,
exploitation and control.
Grant us the desire, and the strength, to act
responsibly within the cycle of creation.

God of love, mercy and justice,
acknowledging our complicity in those attitudes,
actions and words which perpetuate violence,
we beg the grace of non-violent hearts. Amen.

Donna Butler, SP

Reclaiming her Providence roots

“Providence gives me roots and wings: roots of love, mercy and justice through liturgy, spirituality, ecology and social justice and wings of freedom and risk-taking to go where Divine Providence calls me. Providence challenges me to do works of love, mercy and justice so that women, children and those who are not yet at the banquet table can be welcomed home,” says Diann Neu, a Providence Candidate-Associate from Silver Spring, Md.

Diann, who has been companioned by Sisters Agnes Arvin (pictured at right) and Kathleen Desautels, will make her first commitment as a Providence Associate on Nov. 13. Diann is also the co-editor of the book, “New Feminist Christianity: Many Voices, Many Views,” published by Skylight Paths Publishing.

To learn more about Diann, click here.

Bringing love and justice to her corner of the world

“I want to connect with the energy of the Congregation so that I, too, can bring love, peace and justice to my little corner of the world. Becoming a Providence Associate has helped me learn to become aware of God’s love for all of creation. We, as stewards, are to respect all life and further the mission of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin,” says Ronda Hoggatt, a Providence Candidate-Associate from Clinton, Ind.

Ronda is preparing to make her first commitment as a Providence Associate this November. She has been companioned by Sister Catherine Livers (at right).

To learn more about Ronda’s journey, click here.

Letter from a saint

Portions of a letter to the Most Rev. J. Bouvier

(The Most Rev. J. Bouvier was the Bishop of Le Mans, France. This letter was dated Feb. 23, 1843. Mother Theodore is referring to the aftermath of the Oct. 2, 1842, fire that destroyed the barns and granary at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.)

“My Lord, truly we have much to suffer in our deep forest, surrounded by enemies, having no other support, no other consoler than God alone. I in particular have trials which are personal, were it only that of having charge, almost alone, of a Congregation already numerous, to whom I have not always bread to give; and often I do not know where to procure what is absolutely necessary for the morrow, not counting the many contradictions which happen daily, and the fear of being burned down by our enemies. How often in looking at my dear Sisters leaving the chapel after night prayers have I not said to myself: It is perhaps the last time that we shall meet together at the feet of Our Lord. How often this winter have I not started out of my sleep, thinking that I heard the noise of the flames and saw their terrible light!” (“Journals and Letter,” p. 90)

To view some of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s artifacts, click here.

Picture of the Week: September 3

Sister Jody's Art Opening, originally uploaded by Sisters of Providence.

Sister Jody O'Neil with one of her pieces during an opening at the Country Club of Terre Haute on Thursday. See more photos from the opening here.

Meet Donna Kehoe

“Because I know that God loves me unconditionally, I hope that I can pass on that conviction to my children and grandchildren. If I can influence them for the positive by passing on my great love of Providence, I can be happy,” says Donna Kehoe, a Providence Candidate-Associate hailing from Chicago.

Donna has spent the last year preparing to make her commitment as a Providence Associate. Helping her along her journey is Sister Dawn Tomaszewski (at right) who is her companion.

To learn more about Donna, click here. To learn more about Providence Associates, click here.

Look for HOPE in your mailbox!

Can a mother and grandmother be a Sister of Providence? What is the discernment process like for a woman who is considering religious life? What is the key to vocations? How can you encourage religious vocations?

The answer to these questions can be found in the newest issue of HOPE. Yes, the fall 2010 issue should be arriving at your homes very soon!

Also in this issue, meet Rosemary “Dee” Coyne of Naples, Fla., a generous partner in our mission. Learn how Jeannie Smith of Solana Beach, Calif., became a Providence Associate. And you’ll find the usual photo album, calendar of events and obituaries.

To view the fall 2010 issue of HOPE, click here.

Letter from a saint

Portions of a letter to the Most Rev. J. Bouvier

(The Most Rev. J. Bouvier was the Bishop of Le Mans, France. This letter was dated Feb. 23, 1843. Mother Theodore is referring to the aftermath of the Oct. 2, 1842, fire that destroyed the barns and granary at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.)

“My Lord, truly we have much to suffer in our deep forest, surrounded by enemies, having no other support, no other consoler than God alone. I in particular have trials which are personal, were it only that of having charge, almost alone, of a Congregation already numerous, to whom I have not always bread to give; and often I do not know where to procure what is absolutely necessary for the morrow, not counting the many contradictions which happen daily, and the fear of being burned down by our enemies. How often in looking at my dear Sisters leaving the chapel after night prayers have I not said to myself: It is perhaps the last time that we shall meet together at the feet of Our Lord. How often this winter have I not started out of my sleep, thinking that I heard the noise of the flames and saw their terrible light!” (“Journals and Letter,” p. 90)

For more information about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, click here.