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Sisters of Providence (Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.)

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Guerin, Theodore, Saint, 1798-1856

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inch from the edge of serre-tÔøΩte on the sides. The veil covers the tips and fastens beneath them on the serre-tÔøΩte eyelet."These were just two sentences of instructions. There was an entire page and three diagrams devoted to this modification!A veil, which came to be identified with the habit, was in use by women long before there were Roman Catholic women's religious congregations. According to documents in the Sisters of Providence Archives, the veil can be traced back to Mesopotamia. Early Church Fathers wrote about the importance of the veil. The Rule of St. Benedict, written during the sixth century, eventually created more uniformity of dress among religious. By the Middle Ages, most communities of women religious had adopted the widow's mourning attire as their uniform dress.Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, who entered the Sisters of Providence of RuillÔøΩ, France, on Aug. 18, 1823, spent her entire early life along the Brittany coast. Thus, the habit that she received on Sept. 6, 1825, was indeed similar to lay women's clothing. However, as Sister Eugenia emphasized, "The purpose of this lecture is ... to lay [to rest] the ghost of the opinion that some sisters have that Mother Theodore wore secular clothes and not the habit. [She] was given the habit canonically, blessed by the bishop, and was registered asContinued on page 19In a 1972 lecture, Congregation historian Sister Eugenia Logan (1889-1983) stated, "The religious habit worn by Mother Theodore was simple, of black wool, made in uniform color and style. It was based on the Breton costume but modified."HOPE // SUMMER 2008Continued from page 18Since the founding of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 1840, there have been major and minor modifications to the habit. The last modifications to occur before sisters were permitted to wear secular clothing in the 1970s were decided in 1960 and 1966. The first modifications were a result of a directive from Pope Pius XII, whose papacy was from 1939 to 1958. The second changes resulted from the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). As with any changes of such magnitude, the General Councila novice on Sept. 6, 1825."sought the sisters' insights and suggestions through meetings, surveys and committees. A Friday, Dec. 23, 1960, news release, crafted by the Congregation's communications office, touted the modifications by stating: "Now once again, the sisters will have a `new look' after next Tuesday. However, they will remain the same Sisters of Providence who have been your teachers, friends and neighbors through the years." Today, Sisters of Providence follow the directives on dress in their Constitutions and ComplementaryContinued on page 20SAME SISTER, TWO DIFFERENT HABITS:These photographs of the late Sister Catherine Marie Daly show her in two different habits. The photo on the left was taken in 1888. This habit is similar to the one worn by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. The photo on the right was taken in 1910. This photo illustrates some of the parts of the holy habit. (Photos courtesy of Sister of Providence Archives)www.SistersofProvidence.org19Document approved in 1995 by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The section titled "Common Witness" reads, "The distinctive symbol [the white cross] of the Sisters of Providence is always worn as the common sign of witness. The sister wears a modified habit or simple dress or suit ... which expresses the simplicity of life she professes."Continued from page 19On May 22, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI addressed a meeting of Superiors General at the Vatican and said, "... consecrated men and women are called to be credible and luminous signs of the Gospel and its paradoxes in the world without conforming to the mentality of this world, but to continually transform and renew one's own duty (cf. Romans 12:2). ..." Since Saint Mother Theodore and her five companion-sisters stepped foot on this sacred ground of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, myriads of consecrated Sisters of Providence have served as "credible and luminous signs of the Gospel" no matter their dress. HThe late Sister Marie Ambrose McKenna (left) and Sister Marie Agatha Vonderheide model the pre-1960 and the modified 1960 habit. One East Coast sister shared with a newspaper reporter that the best reason to celebrate the new look was this: "For the first time we ate a whole ear of corn with our caps on!"HABIT FAST FACTS:ÔøΩ The word habit comes from the Latin habitus, meaning condition, dress, appearance. ÔøΩ In 1894, sisters were allowed to have their own wardrobes due to the danger of communicable diseases. ÔøΩ Sisters were permitted to select shoes suitable to their own needs as early as 1900. This Congregation had no style regulation as many communities did. ÔøΩ In 1903, a stiff neckerchief with a stiff collar was substituted for the folded white shawl. ÔøΩ In the early 1900s, permission was granted for the wearing of summer underwear year round. ÔøΩ Summer blouses and summer sleeves were permitted in the early 1900s. Prior to this, heavy serge and twilled linen were used in the blouse and sleeves.20HOPE // SUMMER 2008Alumnae/i newsChanges in alumnae/i leadership madeDear Alumae/i, It is wonderful to welcome the spring! It seems to have been a challenging winter no matter where you live. Between Santa Ana winds, snow and floods, it's a blessing to have a change of season. Some changes are bittersweet at the moment of transition yet also hold the promise of a bright future. There are also some changes in the alumnae associations' leadership. After many years of dedicated service, Sister Jane Bodine has resigned as coordinator of Ladywood High School Alumnae Association. Sister Jacquelyn "Jackie" Hoffman, class of 1948, has accepted the position. Sister Jane was honored at the last alumnae luncheon and introduced Sister Jackie to those present. Thank you to both sisters for their service. St. John Academy Alumnae Association bids a fond farewell to Jan Penoff for her years of work to make the reunion gatherings so successful. Mary Ann Roman, class of 1958, will assist the coordinator, Sister Marie Grace Molloy. Your commitment to your alma mater is gratefully acknowledged.Sister Jane BodineThis is an appropriate moment to say THANK YOU to all who serve the alumnae/i groups in the many ways you do. From reunion luncheons to newsletters to class representatives, without each and every one of you, it would be impossible for alumnae/i to maintain the bonds of friendship that are nourished by the alumnae/i outreach. Your efforts are a gift to all of us. I look forward to meeting and visiting with you at the reunions. Keep Providence in your hearts! Sister Susan Paweski, SPSister Jackie HoffmanAlumnae/i relations manager/major gifts associate 773-463-2478 or [email protected] chicOne way to honor Earth is to buy used clothing at thrift shops or have a clothes swap with family and friends. It's fun and cheap (or free) and often there are fabulous discoveries on the rack. To learn more about how the Sisters of Providence reduce the environmental costs of clothing and ways you can do the same, go to www.WhiteViolet.org.One of the simple joys of living in a community of hundreds of women is once you're tired of a piece of clothing you pass it on to another.www.SistersofProvidence.org21Obituaries\ÔøΩ\ ÔøΩÔøΩxxÔøΩ? uÔøΩÔøΩ ÔøΩÔøΩ {xtÔøΩÔøΩ ÔøΩtÔøΩv{xÔøΩ < ÔøΩ fÔøΩÔøΩz ÔøΩy fÔøΩÔøΩzÔøΩSister Elizabeth Rose Weisenbachn memoryEntering the Congregation Jan. 6, 1940, Sister Elizabeth Rose spent more than three decades teaching in Indiana, Illinois and California. She ministered as a pastoral associate in Indiana and California. She also served as a secretary, counselor or registrar in several schools in Indiana and California. "Her middle name was determination." Sister Joan Klega (formerly Sister Ruth Cecile)"Sister Elizabeth Rose was avidly interested in peace and justice issues."July 18, 1922-Dec. 6, 2007Aug. 2, 1931-Dec. 21, 2007"Through her communication efforts, Sister Catherine Joseph won the recognition and appreciation of prominent and distinguished persons in both the civic and ecclesial communities."Sister Catherine Joseph WilcoxSister Joan entered the Congregation Feb. 2, 1951. She ministered more than 20 years as a music teacher in Indiana and Illinois. Upon receiving her CPE, she served as a chaplain in hospitals in Indiana and Illinois. For three years, she served as a pastoral minister at Catholic Indian Mission, Fort Yates, N.D. Sister Joan also ministered in several Illinois parishes as a pastoral associate, musician and/or liturgist.Nov. 4, 1913-Dec. 31, 2007Sister Catherine Joseph Wilcox entered the Congregation Feb. 11, 1939. Her ministries were in Indiana and Illinois. She spent 23 years serving at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and more than three decades in communications/publicity at Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove, Ill. Sister Margaret Sullivan (formerly Sister Joseph Andre)"Sister Margaret's motivation was primarily love for God and also for her family, Sisters of Providence, friends and students." Entering the Congregation Feb. 2, 1943, Sister Margaret ministered for more than 50 years in education. She taught in Indiana, Illinois, Texas and Florida. Sister Judith ManginMarch 14, 1923-Feb. 10, 2008Entering the Congregation July 21, 1944, Sister Judith spent more than 25 years teaching elementary school. She ministered in Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. She spent four years as a cook at the rectory of SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Indianapolis. Sister Judith also spent several years in adult education in the Indianapolis Continued on page 23 area."Meekness is a virtue which by nature was particularly characteristic of Sister Judith."Feb. 26, 1926-Feb. 10, 200822HOPE // SUMMER 2008Continued from page 22Sister Merry MarcottePrior to entering the Congregation Aug. 23, 1974, Sister Merry served six years with the American Red Cross. Two of those years were spent in Vietnam as a caseworker in military hospitals. As a Sister of Providence, Sister Merry's ministries were many and varied. She ministered in educational and counseling programs as well as parishes in Washington, D.C., Indiana, Chicago and North Carolina. She also spent several years serving in various ministries with the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, Ky. To read the entire obituary for a sister, please visit www.SistersofProvidence.org and look for "As seen in our publications" link."Sister Merry had a compassionate, loving heart and cared deeply about others."Oct. 10, 1942-Feb. 17, 2008Upcoming events:June22 Family Day and choral performances by area choirs, part of the year of celebration of the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Visit www.SistersofProvidence.org for more information. 28 Golden/Silver Jubilee Celebration, 1:30 p.m. (EDT) Church of the Immaculate Conception. 29 Profession of Vows of Sisters Deidre Jordy and Janice Smith, 11 a.m. (EDT) Church of the Immaculate Conception.July25-27 Providence Volunteer Ministry (PVM) 20th Anniversary Celebration at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Check out www.p-v-m.org for more information.August1-4 2008 Leadership Conference of Women Religious and Council of Major Superiors of Men (LCWR-CMSM) Joint Assembly, Denver. The Congregation will have an exhibit at this conference. 3 The Fest, Wickliffe, Ohio. The Congregation will have an exhibit.September16-19 2008 National Communicators Network for Women Religious (NCNWR) Conference, Cincinnati. The Congregation will have a presence at this conference.For more information about events at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, please visit the Congregation's Web site at www.SistersofProvidence.org.www.SistersofProvidence.org23WhWeITE VIOLET CENTER for Eco-JusticeVevents: it H Violet Center FOR ECO-JUSTICE E ENTS:June18-22 Fiber Frolic of spinning, weaving, felting and knitting. Cost: $200 includes instruction, materials and meals. Contact Sister Jean Fuqua at 812-535-2932 or [email protected] by June 10. 25-27 Earth Plunge. Cost: $225 includes room and board; $125 for commuters. Contact Sister Maureen Freeman, CSJ, at 812-535-2931 or [email protected] by July 10.July11-13 Eco-Justice: Embracing the Gospel in Our Time, a workshop with the Rev. Diarmuid O'Murchu, MSC. Cost: $200, includes Saturday and Sunday lunches ($175 if registered by June 1). Contact Sister Maureen Freeman, CSJ, at 812535-2931 or [email protected] by June 30.August2 Summer Nature Walk 10 to 11 a.m. (EDT), freewill donation. Contact Candace Hack at 812-5352935 or [email protected]. 8-13 Earth Retreat. Cost: $450, includes room and board. Contact Sister Maureen Freeman, CSJ, at 812-535-2931 or [email protected] by July 25. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required at registration. 15-21 Radical Amazement Retreat with Author Judy Cannato. Cost: $575 for room and board; $300 for commuters. By Aug. 1 contact Sister Maureen Freeman, CSJ, at 812-535-2931 or [email protected]. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required at registration.September12-14 Fiber Weekend Retreat for spinners, weavers, felters and knitters. Cost: $125 includes room and meals. Contact Sister Jean Fuqua at 812-535-2932 or [email protected] by Sept. 5.www.WhiteViolet.orgNon-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Saint Mary-of-the-WoodsOffice of Congregational Advancement 1 Sisters of Providence Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876Indiana 47876 Permit No. 1RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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