Hundreds gather at national basilica to dedicate St. Theodora statue

Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, blesses a statue of St. Theodora Guérin, Indiana’s first saint, on May 10 in Mary’s Garden outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. Members of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, the religious community founded by St. Theodora in 1840, stand behind the statue. (Submitted photo/Sisters of Providence)

Special to The Criterion

WASHINGTON—More than 500 pilgrims traded umbrellas for sunglasses on May 10 as the heavily overcast sky gave way to warm afternoon sun that shined brightly on the blessing and dedication of the statue of St. Theodora Guérin in Mary’s Garden at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

The blessing, which occurred outside in the garden where the Indiana limestone statue now stands, followed a Mass at the basilica’s Crypt Church.

Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, presided over the eucharistic liturgy witnessed by an overflow, standing-room-only crowd.

The celebration occurred on the eve of Pentecost, a feast which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, 50 days after the Resurrection of Jesus.

During his homily, Archbishop Sambi asked how St. Theodora, the foundress of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, could have accomplished all that she did with so many challenges in her lifetime.

“It was possible only because St. Mother Theodore abandoned herself to Divine Providence,” he said. “She was strengthened and guided by the Holy Spirit. Like a disciple, she strengthened her sisters. St. Mother Theodore and so many who have followed her have accomplished great things for Christ because they have trusted in Divine Providence.

“St. Mother Theodore’s story is nothing less than the story of love—love for Christ and Divine Providence. May her daughters continue to live her legacy and her charism.”

Archbishop Sambi invited the pilgrims in attendance to join in the blessing of the statue “of this holy woman with thanksgiving for the past and hope for the future.”

The congregation’s general superior, Providence Sister Denise Wilkinson, thanked Archbishop Sambi and Msgr. Walter Rossi, the basilica’s rector, for participating in the celebration and making possible the placement of the statue in Mary’s Garden.

“We’ve come here from all across our country. Some here are Sisters of Providence, others are alumni or alumnae of Sisters of Providence schools, some are friends and family of Sisters of Providence or staff members, Providence Associates and other ministry partners,” Sister Denise said.

“Each of us has been profoundly influenced by St. Mother Theodore Guérin, a woman for all time. Each of us here gladly celebrates her life and legacy, and proudly calls her our saint. We promise all here the prayer and gratitude of the Sisters of Providence,” she added.

The pilgrims then moved to the garden for prayers, songs of praises and the blessing of the statue. After the blessing, Archbishop Sambi said he recalled the words of Blessed Pope John XXIII when he was a young seminarian.

“He was speaking of a new usefulness, a new springtime, a new Pentecost. I say to all of the sisters and to the friends of the sisters, it is time for a new usefulness, a new spring, a new Pentecost. It is the time to wake up, wake up in prayer, to wake up in prime example, to give a clear sign that we are people consecrated to God, and people consecrated to the service of our brothers and sisters, especially those in need. If we show the difference and the joy of our decision to our consecration, we can attract other people,” he said.

After the blessing, pilgrims walked to the statue of St. Theodora, where they posed for pictures and graciously touched her extended hand, which seemed to be a perfect welcoming gesture.

Sculptor Teresa Clark of Terre Haute, who created the statue, was present for the dedication.

“This is a very emotional day,” she said. “I am so happy for the Sisters of Providence.”

Nicholas Fairplay, an Ohio artisan who carved the statue, also was present for the blessing.

“I was profoundly touched by certainly the number of persons who came, and also by what seemed to be their shared delight to be part of this. It was a long trip for a liturgy and a blessing of a statue, yet the people were so peaceful, content and joyful,” Sister Denise said. “People came with prayers of their own and their own needs. They seemed to have confidence that their intentions would be heard and answered. A lot of that is a tribute to the many years of service in schools and other ministries, and their connections and friendships they have made with Sisters of Providence.”

Msgr. Rossi said, “For the basilica, the statue is a great addition because it shows, once again, the contribution to our country and how appropriate it is to have Mother Guérin here at the shrine in Mary’s Garden. It shows the diversity of the Church in the United States, and how we all contribute to a great mission.”

Father Dan Coughlin, chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives, who was taught by Sisters of Providence in Chicago, gave a blessing at the reception.

In a preface to the prayer, he remembered doing research as he prepared for the House chaplaincy.

“The early documents, our early writings, the Declaration of Independence, constantly are built on the theme of Divine Providence. Was she [St. Theodora] a woman of intuition? Was she reading a sign of the times? Did she see, as Archbishop Sambi was saying, a new Pentecost? I believe so,” Father Coughlin said.

St. Theodora was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 15, 2006, at St. Peter’s Square in Rome. †