Article Sponsored By: Sisters of Providence
“When one has nothing more to lose, the heart is inaccessible to fear.” – Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin is a saint who will inspire you and a saint with whom you can relate. A French woman who lived in the 1800s, Mother Theodore was called upon to take many risks. A visit to her new shrine, opening this fall, will take you with her on her journey to sainthood.
In 1840, after a dangerous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean and a journey through the thick forests and terrain of America, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin arrived in a dense woods. Upon learning that she had reached her destination, Mother Theodore was both terrified and determined. This was where she was expected to start a novitiate for the Sisters of Providence and an academy for young women. Despite her fears, she did not give in. “Providence” had called her to these woods, and she would not abandon them.
Mother Theodore was a businesswoman, a caregiver, a naturalist, an educator and a champion of justice. All the while, she battled serious financial hardships and sickness. In less than a year, she had started the novitiate for the Sisters of Providence and an academy that is now known as Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. The challenges that Mother Theodore faced in the 1800s are very similar to those that we all face in today’s world. By visiting her new shrine, you may be inspired and perhaps you will leave the Woods with a peaceful state of mind.
Mother Theodore was canonized in 2006 and became America’s 8th saint. On October 25th, 2014, an official shrine for Saint Mother Theodore will open at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods community is encouraging the nation to join them as they continue the life and legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.
The shrine will be a place to welcome all visitors seeking peace of mind and prayer. The office of the shrine accepts requests for individual, family and group tours. The grounds of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are a great place for pilgrims of all faith traditions to visit, as it offers a variety of experiences rich in history, architecture, nature and beauty.
To schedule a tour, please contact Rita O’Donohue at 812-535-2945 or rodonohue@spsmw.org.
Cabin at the Shrine
A photo of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
