Welcome Letter
Denise Wilkinson, SP
General Superior
Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
Dear Friends,
Soon after her arrival in the wilderness of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin wrote:
"It is astonishing that this remote solitude has been chosen for a novitiate and especially for an academy. All appearances are against it."
Indeed, all appearances were against success for Mother Theodore and her five Sister companions in 1840. The story of the obstacles they faced is well known, as is the story of their determination, their strength, their good common sense and their faith.
Yet, as you know, the small wilderness community of 1840 and the Academy established in July, 1841, have both continued the mission of Saint Mother Theodore and her companions. We feel humbled and honored to have been entrusted with their legacy for this time, and we are happy to invite you to join in celebrating both the 175 years of our history and the promise of the future that lies ahead.
The Sisters of Providence and Saint Mary-of–the-Woods College are indeed rooted for tomorrow – rooted in the Providence that so far has never failed us, rooted in the fidelity and courage of those who have gone before us, rooted in our confidence that the mission will go forward as Providence would have it.
We are grateful for your support and your friendship, and we invite you to join in the celebration in whatever way you can.
In Providence,
Dottie King, Ph. D.
President, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Denise Wilkinson, SP
General Superior, Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
175th Anniversary Prayer
O Holy One,
I pray in gratitude for Saint Mother Theodore and her companions who established a home at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
I am grateful for all those who followed in their footsteps and committed themselves to furthering Your designs.
I pray for the grace to build on their legacy as so many have done throughout the world.
May all who are rooted in the charism of Providence be faithful to the path marked out for this place and time.
May we journey into the future with confidence in the Providence that so far has never failed us.
Amen.