Religious Vocations Supplement
‘Come and See’ truly stimulates belief at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
Postulant Hannah Corbin knocks on the door at Providence Hall to become a member of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Knocking on the door is a tradition for women who join the congregation. Inside, they are welcomed by the Sisters of Providence leadership team and other sisters. (Submitted photo)
By Dave Cox (Special to The Criterion)
ST. MARY-OF-THE-WOODS—Something happens to people who come through the main gate at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, home of the Sisters of Providence and the shrine of St. Theodora Guérin.
There is nothing special about the physical appearance of the black iron gate or the granite marquees identifying the congregation and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
But as soon as visitors move along The Avenue, they are welcomed by waving pin oak, black walnut, sugar maple, Eastern red cedar, pear, red buckeye, white oak and red oak trees along the main drive, and close to 70 other species of trees around the grounds.
Come and see!
Each season has its own beauty. Pastel colors on budding stems and tree branches brighten springtime. Summer offers a pallet of greens and plenty of shade, often accompanied by a soothing breeze. Autumn brings spectacular colors as the more than 70 species of trees display their best colors in anticipation of the coming winter months and holiday season. And during the winter, a brushing of snow across barren limbs accented by occasional red berries and frosted arms on the tall evergreens create natural snapshots and panoramic views that could hardly be captured on any artist’s canvas.
Come and see!
But it is more than the nearly 1,300 acres of natural beauty. Visitors who arrive at the front gate often feel a sense of peace and spiritual motivation. There is a force at work: God’s force, St. Theodora’s force, the Sisters of Providence force.
Come and see!
“As soon as I went through those gates, I was mesmerized. I was in awe. I couldn’t have been met with more open arms or open hearts,” said Providence Sister Jan Craven as she remembered her first visit to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. “I was enamored with the grounds, the place, its beauty.”
Come and see what Sister Jan saw!
First impressions being what they are, postulant Hanna Corbin, who joined the Sisters of Providence in September, had a similar experience when she arrived here.
“It’s not only beautiful with its natural surroundings, it does have a spirit to it. It draws you inward, it draws you outward. The Spirit invites you to be who you are and to love,” she said. “It says to me the spirit of St. Mother Theodore is still here. And all of the other sisters who have followed her have added to the natural beauty God has put here. The grounds are very inviting, very welcoming and very peaceful.”
Come and see what she has experienced!
Current sisters and future sisters aren’t the only ones who experience something special when they come to “The Woods.” The specialness is felt by various companions to the congregation: Providence Volunteer Ministers, Providence Associates, those who are part of Providence Volunteer Services, those in discernment, those on pilgrimages and tours, and those who just want some quiet time to themselves to feel the ambiance. Visitors from all 50 states and dozens of foreign nations have found that to be true.
Come and see what they have found!
Providence Sister Jenny Howard, vocation director, said the beauty of the grounds is genuine.
“I love to walk through the woods and feel the persuasive presence of St. Mother Theodore. You really can get into a right relationship with God, with each other, and with creation here. This place has a sense of sacredness about it. There is a true sense of being at home,” she said.
Come and see what Sister Jenny describes!
Sister Jenny said there may be a perception of everything being in the past. Certainly, a strong heritage and legacy create a forceful foundation for those who seek an opportunity to follow God’s call, “but there is a strong energy here now in the way we live out our understanding of being in right relationship with God. There is energy among us to serve God’s people through works of love, mercy and justice. We do that through our many ministries in 19 states, the District of Columbia, Taiwan and China.
“We are grateful for and blessed by the many people who are so generous to support our mission. Our faith calls us to action, and it all ties in with our mission as an apostolic community.”
The Sisters of Providence will host their annual “Come and See” weekend for women who are in discernment about religious life on March 26-28 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Discussion will include how the Sisters of Providence live out, promote and bring about Catholic social teaching.
(For more information, contact Sister Jenny Howard at 812-535-2897 or by e-mail at jhoward@spsmw.org. More information can be found on the congregation’s Web site at www.SistersofProvidence.org.) †
