The image of our Mother of Providence was the icon that has stood strong during the May 6 fire at Our Lady of the Lake University. Sister Barbara Fry, CDP who photographed the statue, was inspired to capture it on film to relay its meaning and to relate it to a hymn, called Mother of Providence, which the Sisters of Divine Providence know well. The hymn, composed by Sister M. Elaine Gentemann, CDP provides the Congregation and others a source of healing during this turbulent time.  Friends of the CDP and University are invited to join the Sisters in prayer May 12 - 16 from 12 noon to 12:30 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel.

Mother of Providence
Virgin most holy
Here at thy shrine we kneel
Take us beneath thy mantle of blue.

What does it mean to be called to an international community? Sister Joyce Detzel answers this question, as one of the newest members of the Congregation of Divine Providence, which is based in San Antonio, Texas. Sister Joyce, who recently spent two months in Mexico with the Sisters there said “I have forged friendships with the newest members of our community (our aspirants and another novice) who live in our Mexico house of formation. Stories of the Mexico Region came alive as I job shadowed and lived with our professed Sisters at the main convent in Querétaro during Holy Week. Ten days of hectic urban life with our Sisters in Mexico City has been countered with brief excursions to see our Sisters who are catechists missioned in remote areas of the Sierra Madre Mountains.” Full story

Even though the May 6 fire at Our Lady of the Lake University burned the main building, its flames did not hinder the Sisters’ ability to minister to the community. The Sisters, who have lived on the grounds of the University since the late 1800s, have been a loving presence to the University’s community since the incident occurred. They stood beside students as the fire consumed the fourth floor of the main building, they helped faculty and staff get situated into temporary office space and they prayed with the San Antonio community in thanksgiving for survivors and no loss of lives. The Congregation feels a significant loss — the single most catastrophic loss in the University’s history, and even in their grief, they know that our Provident God will be with them and the University’s community on this journey of recovery. .

On the evening of Tuesday, May 6, Our Lady of the Lake University, founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence, caught on fire and damaged parts of the main building. It was reported that more than 110 fire fighters and 35 fire trucks were on the scene to extinguish the flames. Emergency crews were on site for more than 12 hours making sure the situation was under control. Campus residents, faculty, staff, employees and Sisters were all accounted for, and no one was injured. Our Lady of the Lake Convent is located on the same campus as the University, and many Sisters who live at the motherhouse witnessed the tragedy. The Congregation is currently assisting the University set up temporary offices so it can continue to operate, and the Sisters will be with University students, faculty, staff and employees spiritually and physically in the long-term to help them recover from this loss.

A fund has been established with Frost Bank for those who want to donate to Our Lady of the Lake University Rebuilding Fund. The community is also invited to join the Sisters and University students, faculty and staff in a prayer service in Sacred Heart Chapel on Thursday, May 8 at 12 noon.

The spirit of God was present on May 4, when the Sisters of Divine Providence celebrated the feast day of their founder, Blessed John Martin Moye, in the company of donors, Associates and friends. The event began with Mass in Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel, with Rev. Ken Hannon, OMI. Sister Jane Ann Slater, superior general shared her reflections of Father Moye and the legacy the Sisters carry on today. A brunch and reception followed, where Sisters enjoyed visiting with old friends and making new ones. Guests toured the convent grounds, visiting the Heritage Center, the convent gift shop, the Peace Garden and the Sophia Women’s Learning Center (SWLC). The Sisters shared this special day with donors, Associates and friends in memory of Blessed John Martin Moye and in thanks for helping the Sisters carry out their mission.

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Young women who are interested in religious life are invited to join the Sisters of Divine Providence for a day of reflection on May 3.  The event takes place at Our Lady of the Lake Convent Center and the day will be spent discussing, praying and thinking about life as a woman religious.  Participants will meet Sisters from the Congregation’s New Membership Team and will have an opportunity to ask questions about vocations in order to grow in their understanding of consecrated life.