St. Theodora

Today is the feast of St. Theodora Guerin (Mother Thodore) - and within the Archdiocese of Indianapolis today is a solemnity. It is pretty rare to have a saint who comes from an American diocese (although she was born and raised in France). Mother Theodore and her fellow sisters who left France to found a religious order in the upstart diocese of Vincennes (later renamed the Archdiocese of Indianapolis) endured travel and living conditions that are barely imaginable today. Mother Theodore and her sisters founded what would become the Sisters of Providence. Mother Theodore - pray for us.

Here is the collect (opening prayer) that the Church has issued for use in Masses on her feast day.

Loving God,
In Mother Theodore Guerin
You have given us an examle of a religious woman
who trusted deeply in Providence.
Through her intercession,
inspire us to dedicate our lives
to proclaiming the Gospel
through works of love, mercy, and justice.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
Amen.