HOPE arrives!

For centuries, people have been making pilgrimages to sacred places throughout the world. For many people that sacred place is Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, where a saint once walked. The latest issue of HOPE addresses the need to relocate the shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin from the Church of the Immaculate Conception to a permanent place beneath the existing Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

As Sister Ann Casper writes in her article, Why relocate the shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin?, “ … in its current location in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, it [the shrine] is not exactly tucked away in the left alcove of the church. The huge banner of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, which hung in St. Peter’s Square, demands one’s immediate attention and detracts from worship. The celebration of daily and Sunday Eucharistic Liturgy, rather than having pride of place in the church, is somewhat dwarfed by the presence of Mother Theodore’s banner and coffin — these take center stage rather than the Eucharist, probably not something our humble foundress would delight in!”

Inside this issue you’ll read about the power of this sacred place and why one 20-something loves “Mama T.” You’ll also learn just how many times Mother Theodore’s weary bones have been moved! And, of course, you can catch up on alumnae/i news, newsnotes, photos, upcoming events, plus a whole lot more!

If you would like to make a donation to the permanent shrine, visit our website. To view HOPE online, click here.

Los Angeles Religious Education Congress: our bags are packed!

Sister Dorothy Marie Ahern reunites with a past student.

Kerry Scott, with the Office of Congregational Advancement for the Sisters of Providence, has meticulously packed our communication materials, banner stands and fun giveaways, and they are now en route to the Anaheim Convention Center. Say a prayer that they all arrive on-time and in good condition! We’ll arrive March 22 in time to set up our display at booths #168 and #170 — ready for exhibitors on Friday. You’ll find us as you exit from the Arena into the Exhibit Hall and turn right down the first row. Why not mark your map now?!

This is such an enjoyable and life-giving conference for us. Attendees come by the booth who were taught by the SPs in California and around the U.S. They have fond memories of their teachers and it isn’t uncommon for them to reconnect with a sister or two at the conference.

We talk with young women who are discerning their own calling to religious life and Sister Editha Ben, vocation director, will be on-hand to answer specific questions. Sister Mary Montgomery, director of the Terre Haute Deanery Pastoral Center, will also be available to talk with visitors. She’s well-versed in parish coordination and support and has a rich background with volunteer programs and many other areas.

We’ll also have information on many of our ministries including White Violet Center for Eco-Justice (and the beloved alpacas) and Providence Center (for tours, pilgrimages, The Gift Shop and the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin). We’re also blessed to have two associates with our Associate Relationship helping to staff the booth during the event: Pat Ruck (you may remember her from last year) and Joann Kennelly.

Pick up a brochure on Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and take it back to your parish. Help those you work with get to know a new(er) saint – she was canonized the 8th U.S. saint in 2006 by Pope Benedict. We also have a few gifts to hand out, while supplies last! We’re looking forward to seeing you.