We celebrate our 90+ year-old sisters!

On Tuesday afternoon, May 29, the Congregation celebrated the women of the Congregation who are 90 years old or older. The Archives Department created the video below to honor these special women. For a list of these women, visit this page.



If you have trouble viewing the video in this blog, visit this page.

Sister Cathy Buster impresses young audience at Human Rights Day program

Sister Cathy Buster made quite an impression on her audience with her presentation at Terre Haute’s Human Rights Day program on April 10 at Indiana State University.

Sister Cathy spoke about the Casa San Juan Bosco project in Arcadia, Fla., that will provide quality housing for migrant farm families left stranded by Hurricane Charley in 2004. Working with Catholic Charities Housing in Venice, Fla., Sister Cathy led the effort to re-establish housing for people left homeless after the devastating storm.

About 90 people attended her workshop session, most of whom were high school students and college students. Recently received reports from some of the students offered feedback about Sister Cathy’s message. By the way, the Casa San Juan Bosco project is the largest Green Certified Community in Florida. (Her PowerPoint can be seen here.)

One student wrote, “I think it’s great that non for profits (sic) groups such as this one does so much. Making the community ecological with all the green material going into it makes it a lot better too. Not only does the community get new houses, neighborhood and great living area, they also get the tools to keep the area ecologically safe. It’s amazing how much a non for profit group can do. The other for profit businesses should look to this as an example and come forward to do a community project like this for all the people in need.”

Another wrote, “It surprised me how after hurricane Charley hit that the farmers who lived in the trailers used blankets and cardboard shelters to stay in after their homes were destroyed. It was also shocking to me that the people of the trailer parks would charge the farmers and their families $35 per head per day even though the parks were in bad shape long before the hurricane hit. Sister Cathy Buster simply is an amazing woman for coming up with the new energy efficient and only green community in Florida.”

Still another wrote, “I think what Sister Cathy Buster is doing for these people who have nothing is great. She first off is helping the farm workers by providing them with a safe place to live but also helping them adapt to a normal American lifestyle with various skills they will learn in some of those classes.”

The Sisters of Providence have been a partner in planning the annual Human Rights Day program for many years. It is the largest and best such program in Indiana, attracting national and international speakers. Annual  themes are usually chosen from articles in the United Nations Charter.

Sister Cathy is a native of Chicago. She has been a Sister of Providence for 56 years. She currently serves as vice president of Catholic Charities Housing.

Don't take yourself too seriously

Sister Lisa Stallings

Recently I’ve dipped my toes in the waters of social media, having followed several Twitter feeds for the past couple of weeks.

My original aim was to track the progress of the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Madrigals and alumnae as they traveled through France.

The photos posted with brief messages as they traveled the countryside amounted to electronic postcards from the trip; and the postings from Etables, birthplace of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, and from Ruille, home of the French Sisters of Providence, were nothing short of moving for me.

I’ve also been following a few Catholic Twitter feeds, and I’ve been fascinated by some of the postings. I’ve learned that Bishop Christopher Coyne, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, posts a brief reflection on the day’s scriptures almost every day.

I’ve also learned that he’s a pretty funny guy. Last week, he posted a series of reflections on an upcoming golf game, including the following:

• I am playing golf today for the first time in at least three years. My doctor told me I don't have enough stress in my life.
• It is a fundraiser. People are paying a lot of money to play with me. I think they should get a refund.
• ... I'm buying a bushel of balls ... I think when I come to a water hole, I should just throw a ball in.
• I'm told when I drive up to the club, they will take my clubs. I hope they take them right to the dumpster ...

Another prominent churchman has been featured in a number of tweets recently. Last week Cardinal Timothy Dolan posted a photo from Catholic University’s commencement, at which he addressed the audience in full ecclesial regalia, including the red cardinal’s cape. He mugged for the camera, striking what he dubbed his Batman pose and seemed to take great delight in poking fun at himself. The Cardinal’s speech was itself part commencement address, part stand-up comedy routine.

Why should it come as a surprise that these prominent individuals who surely spend a great deal of time with matters of significance also exhibit a comic sensibility and appear to laugh at themselves easily?

Our own Mother Theodore, whose wisdom and deep spirituality we cherish, is also known for her sharp French wit. What Sister of Providence does not have a favorite humorous quote from the eighth American saint?

She could turn a frightening situation into a comic one, describing a perilous coach ride as a “dance without a fiddle.” She could laugh at her own failed attempts to converse in English, creating scenes that could have come directly from I Love Lucy. She could dramatize the bloody battle she and her companions waged with mosquitoes in Cincinnati. She could face hardships, fear, deprivation, and still laugh. Perhaps she HAD to laugh.

The lesson here, at least for me, is not to take oneself too seriously. Of course, there are circumstances in every person’s life that are far more tragic than comic. That said, it seems that many of us could benefit from viewing any number of everyday occurrences with an eye to their potential for comedy.

Perhaps that’s a way of seeing our own foibles and the frustrations of daily life as relatively insignificant in a “big picture” context. Perhaps it is a way of affirming our faith in the Providence that will not fail us.

Sister Kathleen Desautels featured in Chicago Tribune

Sister Kathleen Desautels, a native of Indianapolis, didn’t set out to be a leader or administrator of organized, peaceful protests. But, when four Catholic Church workers were raped and murdered in El Salvadore, Sister Kathleen said she became motivated to get involved in social justice causes.

Her motivation most likely became more keen when the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nation accused the victims of being communist sympathizers.

Sister Kathleen recently served as a peace guide for the anti-NATO rally and march in downtown Chicago. An extensive interview with Sister Kathleen was published in the Chicago Tribune. It was written by columnist Dawn Turner Trice.

Trice referred to Sister Kathleen as a powerhouse in the peace movement. “I like to think I’m the hostess of the protest,” was quoted as saying. She also talked about the “solid gold” people who work to bring change in U.S. society. There were violent outbreaks during the protests, and Sister Kathleen talks about those possibilities in the interview.

She knows working for justice on often-controversial issues is not an easy task. “We like to say that justice is the ministry of the long haul,” she said in the interview.

Sister Kathleen is someone who is deeply devoted to her faith and believes in doing things the right way. She also teaches others how to prepare for delicate situations they might encounter during a peace action, or a movement for justice.

Sister Kathleen is on staff at the 8th Day Center for Justice in Chicago. She joined the Sisters of Providence Sept. 12, 1960, and she professed perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1968. She has ministered as an elementary-school teacher, in religious education, as a pastoral associate, theology instructor, acting vice president and director of alumnae affairs at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and as a prison chaplain.

Do you get involved in public actions when an issue of justice is at stake? Have you ever marched in a peace protest? What would it take to motivate you? Share your thoughts.

Celebrating 100th birthday, ND Irish-style

Many years ago when Sister Mary Eymard Campeggio was ministering in New Albany, Ind., someone took her to a Notre Dame football game. She was hooked and she has been a faithful fan ever since. So, it was only natural to pick a Notre Dame theme for her birthday celebration on May 21: her 100th birthday celebration.

Dozens of Sisters of Providence lined up to greet her and wish her well in Mother Theodore Hall’s McLaughlin Room. The décor, the cake, the green serving places, the Irish T-shirts all added to the festivities. But, the real treasure no doubt, was a signed letter and color photograph from Notre Dame Head Coach Brian Kelly.
Coach Kelly wished her well, recognizing her unyielding loyalty as a true fan.

After the sisters sang Happy Birthday to Sister Mary Eymard, they broke out into a chorus of the Notre Dame school song.
Sister Mary Eymard is a native of Ladd, Ill., about 65 miles west of Joliet. She entered the Sisters of Providence Aug. 18, 1931, and she professed perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1939.

She began her ministerial life as a housekeeper, and soon became a cook. She ministered in Washington, D.C.; California, Massachusetts and in Indianapolis and New Albany in Indiana.

One of her favorite foods is spaghetti with sauce. She was known especially for her pies, particularly mincemeat pie.

You can still drop Sister Mary Eymard a congratulatory belated birthday card, in care of Mother Theodore Hall. Have you ever envisioned enjoying your 100th birthday? Share your thoughts about what you think that must be like.

Here is the full text of Coach Kelly’s letter:

Dear Sister Mary Eymard,

It has come to our attention that you will be celebrating your 100 h birthday. With that in mind, we want to take this opportunity to join your family and friends in sending you our heartfelt congratulations and very best wishes.

Your family and friends has informed us that you have been a lifelong Notre Dame fan. It sounds like you
are a committed and loyal fan! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your enthusiasm and
support.

Best wishes to you for health and happiness throughout the year and have a great birthday.

Sincerely,
Brian Kelly

Sisters of Providence Serving Our Country

Some view Memorial Day as the beginning of summer, though officially it doesn’t begin until later in June.

This holiday was designated as such by Gen. John A. Logan on May 5, 1868. It was known for a short while as Decoration Day because of the practice of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers.

However, the name Memorial Day and the designation of May 30 (later changed to the last Monday of May) took hold.

Each Memorial Day weekend flags are
placed at the graves of Sisters of
Providence who have served our
country in some capacity during armed
conflict or in some branch of the military.

It all began in 1864 when teenager Emma Hunter and a Mrs. Elizabeth Meyer met in a cemetery in Boalsburg, PA., while visiting the graves of a father and son, respectively, who died in the Civil War.

They agreed to return on the same day the following year to honor Dr. Reuben Hunter (surgeon in the Union Army) and Amos Meyer (private in the Union Army) by placing flowers on their graves and those of others who died in service and were buried in the cemetery.

Each Memorial Day weekend, in our convent cemetery at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, we place a new flag at the gravesite of 15 of our sisters and two chaplains who served our country in some capacity during armed conflict or in some branch of the military.

The purpose of this holiday has not changed. It is a day to remember and honor those who have died in our nation’s service. Placing flags and/or flowers on their graves ritualizes our gratitude and honors their memory.

Another way to commemorate this holiday is to aid the widows, widowers and children of those who died during military service or support disabled veterans by responding to one or more of their needs.

Arequipa, Peru, focus of new Heritage Museum exhibit

This piece of art, The Last Supper, is just one of the many artifacts and documents on display
in the new Heritage Museum exhibit in Providence Center.

In 1963, the Sisters of Providence responded to a request by Pope John XXIII to send religious to missions in Latin America. In March of that year, three Sisters of Providence left the Woods for Arequipa, Peru, where they ministered at the all-boys Colegio de San José.

A new exhibit in the Heritage Museum in Providence Center examines the Congregation’s service in Peru. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Recently, Sister Florence Norton, who ministered in Arequipa, sat down with Christina Blust, a staff member in the Office of Congregational Advancement and shared some of her memories about this exciting ministry for the winter 2012 issue of HOPE:

“One of these sister-missionaries was Sister Florence Norton (formerly Sister Thomas Ann). As a child, Sister Florence was taught in Sisters of Providence schools and grew up reading vibrant stories in the SP missionary publication ‘The Bugle Call.’ When, years later, Sister Florence herself landed to minister in a foreign land, she found herself surrounded by new animals (alpacas and vicuñas), a new climate (‘It was sunny every day!’), and people with big hearts, big hugs, and nothing but love for their Hermana (Sister),” wrote Christina in her article, “A beautiful time.”

The Heritage Museum is located in Providence Center and is open during the center's normal hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EDT), and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EDT).

Archives: keeper of the stories

Have you ever thought of Archives as being a ministry? Perhaps not, but according to Sister Marianne Mader, Archives researcher, it is. “[Archives] is a way of connecting with other people,” she notes in the summer 2012 issue of HOPE, now available online.

The Sisters of Providence are blessed with an awesome Archives. Truly, this department was created when Saint Mother Theodore Guerin put pen to paper and wrote her journals as well as thousands of letters to her sisters in France, sisters here in the United States and countless friends and donors.

This issue of HOPE is dedicated to the keeper of the stories — the many women who have dedicated their lives to preserving the history of the Sisters of Providence. In this issue you’ll learn about the ways in which Archives collaborates with various entities across the state of Indiana. You’ll also learn about the work Sister Maureen Abbott is doing in writing the fourth volume of the Congregation’s history. Additionally, you’ll learn a little more about the story behind the “CNN Presents” program on the canonization of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.

As always, you’ll find the usual articles — her-story, photo albums, newsnotes, alumnae/i news, obituaries and upcoming events. Check it out now!

Providence Pavers offer a meaningful Saint Mary-of-the-Woods connection

The Sisters of Providence have been offering Providence Pavers at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for about two years. These bricks can be engraved and are placed at either the fountain on the Avenue or at the Our Lady of Campus statue in front of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

It has been so wonderful to see the many pavers with their messages in honor or in memory of family, friends and Sisters of Providence. People from all over the country have reserved their Providence Paver as a way to connect themselves permanently to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

The Vincennes, Ind., St. Rose Academy Class of 1959 is one such group who purchased a paver with their class name on it. After the paver was installed, Gayle Bledsoe and her classmates received a photo, inspiring them to come for a visit. Although she and others in their group had never been to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, they wanted to take this opportunity to see their paver in person and to visit with friends and former teachers.

Gayle and company were delighted to have the opportunity to see each other (coming from Illinois, Indianapolis and southern Indiana) and to visit Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. I loved hearing about their mini adventures seeing the alpacas at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice and touring the grounds on the SP bus.

It is so sweet to me that such a simple brick paver allowed this group to come together for fun and friendship. I have heard many other stories like this! I chose to tell you about the Class of 1959 because this just happened last week, but I routinely get emails, phone calls and notes from people who have the intention or hope of visiting Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to see their Providence Paver.

The paver program is really a special way to claim a piece of holy ground — a land walked by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and by thousands of her Sisters of Providence, alumnae/i and friends living her legacy.

The next deadline for a Providence Paver order is July 1. You can read more about Providence Pavers and order on the SP website.

A formal commitment — as important as water & air

Sister Rosemary Nudd (left) is the companion of Lori Strawn.

“Sister Rosemary [Nudd] once told me a story that ended, ‘Never get too far from the life of the mind.’ A formal commitment with the Congregation encompasses (for me) the life of the mind plus the life of the spirit plus life in community — and such a community! How could I not be drawn to that? You might as well ask why I’d want to make a formal commitment to food, water and air,” says Providence Candidate-Associate Lori Strawn of Wichita, Kan.

Such is the reason that Lori provides for starting the candidacy process to become a Providence Associate. The Sister Rosemary she is referring to is the one she had as a professor at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Today, Sister Rosemary still teaches at the college, and she also companions Lori on her journey toward becoming a Providence Associate.

Lori provides one reason for formalizing her relationship with the Congregation. Other candidates and associates have a myriad of other reasons. If you are thinking about becoming a Providence Associate, now is the time. The application process for 2012-2013 is open now until June 30. Contact Debbie Dillow, PA, assistant director of Providence Associates, at ddillow@spsmw.org for an application or for more information.

Treasures from Archives

I’ve been digging around Archives looking for Civil War material for a long time. One day, Sister Marie Grace Molloy, a wonderful volunteer, asked me if I had ever seen the Civil War diary of Sister Clarice Asbury’s (RIP) grandfather. No, I hadn’t seen it, so I put the diary on my list of things to scrutinize more judiciously when I had the time. Recently I had time to take a longer look at this historical treasure.

George E. Blaire (sometimes spelled Blair) was the maternal grandfather of Sister Clarice. Sister Clarice was born Elizabeth Asbury on June 6, 1898, in Bozeman, Mont. She entered the Congregation on Sept. 8, 1919, and died Nov. 15, 1993. In her file in Archives is this small, unassuming journal. Sister Clarice noted that this journal was “the Civil War diary of my grandfather.”

Blaire was the captain of Company A, 17th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Captain Blaire began his journal in June of 1863. He described marching in the rain and mud, sleeping in the woods and playing “foot ball.” He also described fighting in the Battle of Hoover’s Gap in Tennessee June 24-26, 1863. Amazingly, with no cell phones, TV, radio, blogs or Twitter, Captain Blaire wrote on July 3, 1863, about Lee’s defeat at Gettysburg! In case you need a refresher, July 3 was the last day of the terrible battle.

Captain Blaire wrote about his capture by the Rebels in Chattanooga, Tenn., in September 1863. He journaled how the prisoners were taken by rail car to Atlanta and then back up north to Richmond, Va., and the infamous Libby Prison. Eventually, Captain Blaire was imprisoned in Charleston, S.C. It was there that he and his fellow prisoners were freed in September of 1864.

And there in our Archives in a small envelope within the file of Sister Clarice Asbury is a wonderful piece of our nation’s history. A treasure indeed!

Sister Elizabeth (Betty) Smigla brings experience, support to Guerin Outreach Ministries Board of Directors

Sister Betty Smigla

One unique aspect about being a member of a religious community is having a group of sisters behind you to lend support.

Recently Sister Betty Smigla, SP, did just that by agreeing to serve on the Guerin Outreach Ministries Board of Directors.

Guerin Outreach Ministries is comprised of three grassroots ministries founded by Sisters of Providence to respond to the needs of struggling individuals in their local communities. The three ministries are Providence Family Services, serving the Hispanic Humboldt Park area of Chicago; Educational/Family Services providing tutoring in West Terre Haute, Ind.; and Providence in the Desert which serves Hispanic immigrants in Coachella, Calif.

Sister Betty’s early missionary work as a Sister of Providence, in which she spent seven years ministering in the South American country of Peru, plus her decades of work with Hispanic populations in Chicago as teacher, principal and advocate, made her a great fit for joining the Guerin Outreach Ministries board.

"There’s a need, and I have the experience and background — the heart of hearing and seeing the needs of people. At Guerin Outreach Ministries we respond to a need; we help to make people whole by giving them respect," Sister Betty said.

Sister Patty Fillenwarth, SP, president of the Guerin Outreach Ministries board of directors and founder of Providence Family Services, has known Sister Betty since their days ministering together in Peru.

"I think that she is a perfect fit for us because the population she works for is very similar to those with whom we work. This is right up her alley. She knows exactly what the needs are of the people we are dealing with because she works with the same people."

"Sister Betty has always had the same mind: to help people in need," Sister Patty said.

And so Sister Betty has stepped up to offer what she can, both to her sisters in community and to those they serve through Guerin Outreach Ministries.

Read more about Guerin Outreach Ministries and Sister Betty Smigla.

A Valiant Woman

People around the world honor mothers. Designating a special day for mothers, as we do in the United States, brings into the consciousness of our nation the wonderful women who bear the name Mother.

Of course, our mind goes immediately to our own mother, the woman who gave us birth and nurtured us along the way to adulthood. We never outgrow the need for our mother’s love, care, advice, etc. No matter how old we are, we are always our mother’s child. And as long as she is alive, a mother is always in her nurturing role – once a mother, always a mother.

The words most etched in my memory are “Mom’s dead!” That was the shocking news I received over the phone from my sister June, April 14, 1978. There was no advanced warning or preparation. No chance to say goodbye! I never appreciated my mother so much as I did that awful day. And it was too late to tell her so.

If your mother is still living, tell her what she means to you. Show your appreciation for her. Do so this Mother’s Day… and, as often as possible, throughout the year.

The Sisters of St. Joseph and Ministry of the Arts have granted me permission to share the following…feel free to pass it on this Mother’s Day. This contemporary take on Proverbs 31 truly describes many, many remarkable mothers!

She is a VALIANT woman;

her roots are firmly planted.

The kingdom is within; her heart, treasure-filled.

She is a JOYFUL woman

for whom laughter is no stranger:

a song to sing, a smile to give, a hand to clasp or embrace.

She is a STRONG woman

whose heart and arms

withstand the pressures and the worries

that each day unfolds.

She is a PATIENT woman

waiting through storm and night

for new life, new growth, rich harvest.

She is a LOVING woman

ever giving and forgiving, ever caring and concerned.

She is a SHARING woman

who with arms outstretched

gives her gifts and treasures to those both near and far.

Proverbs 31

“A Valiant Woman” courtesy of www.MinistryOfTheArts.org

Providence Associates will be busy in June

June is going to be a very busy month for Providence Associates. First of all, associates and sisters from all over North America will be gathering June 1 to 3 in Chicago for the 2012 Journey of Blessings NACAR Conference. NACAR is the North American Conference of Associates and Religious.

Then things really start to heat up in mid-June for associates, candidates and sisters. Many of our associates and the associates and sisters of other congregations sharing the charism of Providence will be participating in the Providence Event: Mystical Window on the World June 15 to 17. This event is sponsored by the Women of Providence in Collaboration.

Providence Associates will then move into their Annual Meeting at the Woods Sunday afternoon, June 17, until Monday afternoon, June 18.

You can learn more about these activities as well as a host of other information in the latest issue of Providence Associates newSPaper that is now available online.

June 10 at the Woods is a family affair!

With the onset of warmer weather, I’m looking for outside activities to do with family and friends. Like most people, I’m on a tight budget. That’s why I’m looking forward to the 5th annual Family Day at the Woods on June 10, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods! It’s become one of my favorite public events of the year, sponsored by the Sisters of Providence. The event is free of charge and runs from 1 to 4 p.m.

During the first Family Day in 2008, I heard many families remark that they didn’t know that they could visit the Sisters of Providence and just walk around the beautiful grounds. Grandparents joined parents and children to take part in the crafts, listen to the choir performances, have their faces painted, ride the hayride and Alpaca Shuttle, visit the alpacas and cool off inside watching the puppet show. People even brought their pets!

Since that first year, the event has grown. Last year featured a helicopter where children and adults were allowed into the cockpit. The Sugar Creek Fire Department fire truck and the Balloon Animal-making Motorcycle-riding Clown are returning favorites.

I admit that I enjoy seeing the Woods filled with families walking from tent to tent, gathering marks on their Booth Bingo sheets and choosing from a variety of stuffed animals at the end. The hot dogs, Pepsi products and homemade cookies aren’t bad either. Did I mention that everything is free?!

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods is just a 10-minute car ride from the Vigo County Courthouse and on a regular day offers amazing attractions, including the European-style Church of the Immaculate Conception, the alpaca barns and horses, White Violet Center for Eco-Justice organic gardens and education center and Sunday Brunch. A newly added attraction is the 1840s-period log cabin that is reminiscent of the first chapel visited by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin when she arrived at the Woods from France.

I hope to see you at this year’s Family Day at the Woods. Bring the entire family and enjoy the afternoon. Enjoy the Sisters of Providence hospitality and budding acreage. I hope it will become a favorite activity of yours, as well. Feel free to call me at 812-535-2802 for more information.

Do you remember your First Holy Communion?

My young friend, Patrick Donovan, made his First Communion last weekend.
Not only did I receive an invitation to attend this special occasion but I also was part of the advance team to deliver Pat to church for his class picture and to stake out a pew for the rest of the family.

Young Patrick Donovan receives his First
Communion at St. Roch Church in Indianapolis.

Nestled in the pew between his Grandma Rita and his Aunt Paula a FULL hour and a half before the Mass began, I had the perfect view of every white dress and veil, every miniature business suit that came prancing down the aisle.

I could picture my own communion dress perfectly. My godmother took me shopping for that dress, and it was absolutely the most beautiful dress I have EVER worn — really, in my entire life. At least that’s the way I remember it.

And I wondered as I sat there why I had held onto the plastic pouch containing my communion veil for so long. Oh, and I can’t forget the little white First Communion prayer book I had tucked inside.

I also wondered if I really understood what was happening to me that day so long ago when I first received the Body of Christ.

Do I understand now the significance of Jesus coming to us under the guise of food, wishing to nourish us? Have years and years of receiving “Holy Communion” led me to “Love one another as I have loved you?”

Have I become nourishment for others? Is my life an act of communion?
Do I act like I believe those lovely words of St. Augustine, “Believe what you see, receive who you are ... the Body of Christ?”

On Patrick’s First Communion Day, here was the Body of Christ in the guise of these little people in their beautiful white dresses and serious suits and ties, hands folded in steeple fashion, each ready and eager to become fuller members of the Holy Communion of believers we are all called to be.

Pilgrim from New Hampshire finds spiritual "home" at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

Joachim Musekiwa once wanted to become a priest. He remembers his father was excited about that idea, so he took young Joachim to meet the local bishop in his native homeland, Zimbabwe. The bishop wanted to speak to Joachim’s mother. Unfortunately, she died when Joachim was about 10. So, the bishop wanted to speak to Joachim’s grandmother. She was not so excited about Joachim’s desire, so his path took a different direction.

Joachim later became a diplomat, representing his country in Washington, D.C. for five years. Eventually, he was caught in political strife in his homeland, endured political turmoil, and was separated from his family. Years later, his family was reunited and they eventually made their way to New Hampshire where they now live.

Recently, they happened to see the CNN documentary on Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s path to sainthood.

“We were so touched that we decided that we would go there and pray. We wanted to come together, but my wife is tied up at work. So, I decided to see what’s there, to pray and ask the sisters to pray for us,” Joachim said during his recent pilgrimage.

“I am so impressed with what I have seen. I will have many photographs for my wife so that she can see what I have seen. I have taken a tour of the place and what I have seen is something I have never seen before. It is so relaxed and I am so at peace with myself,” he added.

Joachim has a very deep spiritual faith, but he was unaware of the rigors of the canonization process. “I did not know it was such a long process of becoming a saint. I watched it with a lot of enthusiasm. When I watched it (the documentary), I thought this is real. Is it possible that we go there to pray and that our prayers will be heard?” he recalled.

Sister Jan Craven, coordinator for Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s Shrine, greeted Joachim and helped him with some prayers. When he arrived at the shrine in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, he said, “I had Sister Jan take some photos. I put my head on the casket. I felt at home. I prayed a little bit, then I went to Mass. It was something out of this world. I felt at home.”

His prayer intentions mirror those of many others in today’s society. His wife works too much as a program coordinator for an information technology company, so he’s worried about her health. His eldest daughter has been out of work in the accounting field for years. He also prays for his other daughter and son. Joachim is working on a doctorate so that he can teach at the college level. He wants to bring his family on a return trip.

As he immersed himself in spirituality and peace at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, he studied the history of Saint Mother Theodore and the grounds, and met many sisters who shared conversations with him, he had only one thought to share: “Just pray for me. I have so much faith. I feel like whatever I want, it’s going to be OK. I don’t remember having this feeling.”

Sister Jody O'Neil opens exhibit in Terre Haute

Sister Jody O’Neil gets a charge out of old credit cards.

She just might grab up one of your old ones and move it through an acrylic medium on canvas to make waves; waves in a visual sea for all to enjoy. She uses those cards, phone key pads, branches, leaves and other objects to bring her artwork to life.

Sister Jody is artist in residence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, and her skills are quite versatile. She works in acrylics, oils, photography, watercolor, colored pencils and leaded glass. Most of her work is available for purchase. You can see some samples here. “Nature inspires me. I’ve always enjoyed working with texture within acrylic paintings,” she said.

But nature’s influence doesn’t stop with acrylics. It can be found in the leaded glass windows in the Mother Theodore Hall chapel. It can be found in her oil paintings. And, certainly, it can be found in her photography.
Sister Jody currently has eight of her acrylic renderings on exhibit at Coffee Grounds, 423 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, May 31. Catch her there before she heads for another art show.

Visit her website, then share your thoughts with all of us about her work.

7 Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Quotes

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are blessed to have a foundress who loved to record her thoughts and prayers. The following is a handful of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin quotes.


Saint Mother Theodore
Guerin, foundress of the
Sisters of Providence of
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.

1. "I have already exceeded the amount of work my head can bear."

2. "Really, I am humiliated in seeing her run in the way of perfection while I just drag along."

3. "We cannot do our work if we all stay in the nest."

4. "Love all in God and for God, and all will be well."

5. "Profit by the experience of the past for the future."

6. "Let us hope that the few seeds sown may not remain unproductive of fruit."

7. "After all, our only support, our only strength is God."

Do you have a favorite Saint Mother Theodore Guerin quote?

Honor Mom and others at Mother's Day Brunch

These women cook, clean and help you with your homework. They give you advice about your love life, fix dinner so that you can impress your boss, and run circles around you to run all sorts of errands.

They command the ship. You just think you do.

So treat mom and your special grandmother, stepmother, aunt, cousin or friend to Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13, in Providence Center at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Your loved ones will enjoy the elegant, relaxed atmosphere of Providence Center's O'Shaughnessy Dining Room selected the Best Reception Hall and Best Local Place for Sunday Brunch in this year's Terre Haute Tribune-Star Readers' Choice poll.

Diners, from near and far, love the food
and atmosphere of Providence Center's
O'Shaughnessy Dining Room.

At Mother's Day Brunch, Sodexo Food Services offers main entrees of shrimp cocktail, carved prime rib, parmesan chicken, beef stroganoff, fillet of sole and an omelet bar. Add fresh salads, numerous side dishes and delicious desserts to complement your meal.

You may purchase your Mother's Day Brunch tickets in advance (cash or check) by calling Sodexo at 812-535-4285.

The Gift Shop at Providence Center is also handing out coupons on Mother's Day for 15 percent off regularly priced merchandise. (Some restrictions apply.)

So make Mother's Day even more special at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, where celebrations begin!