Published: October 02, 2009 06:29 pm         

Plans have been finalized for St. Mother Theodore Guerin Fest

ST. MARY-OF-THE-WOODS — Plans have been finalized and registration is still open for the inaugural St. Mother Theodore Guerin Fest Oct. 23-25 at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.

The fest has been created around the legacy of St. Mother Theodore Guerin, foundress of the Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods, who was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome in 2006. She is the first person in Indiana to receive the Catholic Church’s highest honor, and only the eighth person who lived in the United States to be declared a saint.

Mother Theodore welcomed people of all faith traditions during her years at St. Mary-of-the-Woods and the fest is built around that spirit of inclusion.

The weekend includes a candlelight procession of song and prayer; keynote speakers addressing “How to live with purpose and energize our faith”; adoration in the historic Blessed Sacrament Chapel; time for personal and group prayer; information on how to live sustainably; time to visit the alpacas and learn about them; experience of Providence through art and entertainment; and opportunities to learn more about St. Mother Theodore, who came to the United States in 1840.

The fest is suitable for people from junior high school age and older. Contemporary Christian music artist Nick Cardilino, who has recorded three CDs and wrote the theme song for the 2007 National Catholic Youth Conference, will perform in concert on Oct. 24.

The fest opens with a procession, prayer, a sing-along and a bonfire on Friday evening. Concurrent educational, prayer and discussion opportunities are planned throughout the day Saturday, with sessions beginning at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. A total of at least 21 presenters has agreed to participate. Sunday’s schedule offers time for prayer, attending Eucharistic Liturgy in the Church of the Immaculate Conception and a closing General Assembly.

Breakout sessions include learning how to pray at the labyrinth, tracing the steps of Mother Theodore, art reflections, meeting the sculptor of the St. Mother Theodore statue, sustainability in today’s world, discussion of personal vocations, service opportunities, journaling, learning about art icons and hiking.

“First, we want people of all faiths to know that they are welcome here. There will be something for everyone,” said Sister Barbara Doherty, coordinator of the Office for the Shrine of St. Mother Theodore Guerin and fest organizer. “We want people to leave here with their faith strengthened and their spirit energized. This will be a time of peace, of sharing one another’s gifts, and a wonderful opportunity for prayer and meditation as well as personal motivation.”

Cost to attend the fest is $25, including the Saturday evening concert.

Meals are not included, but they are available at St. Mary-of-the-Woods for a nominal fee.

To register, or to obtain additional information and a detailed brochure, call Sister Barbara Doherty at (812) 535-2925 or contact her at

bdoherty@spsmw.org.



Retreat

• The Sisters of Providence Fall Discernment Retreat will be offered this year in conjunction with the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin fest Oct. 23-25. Women in discernment are invited to participate in both the fest and the discernment retreat; registration for the discernment retreat will include registration for the fest. To register, contact Sister Jenny Howard by e-mail at jhoward@spsmw.org or call (812) 535-2897.