Providence Associates
Providence Associates are individuals who desire to share in the mission and spirituality of Providence but do not seek vowed membership in the Congregation. They are persons who, within their own state of life, commit themselves to proclaim, with the Sisters of Providence, the mystery of the Providence of God and the compassion of Our Mother of Sorrows by a compassionate love towards those experiencing poverty according to Providence Spirituality.
From early on, the Sisters of Providence have had lay persons associated with them to help them serve the needs of others. This is a practice inspired by Blessed Émilie Tavernier-Gamelin's early collaboration with the laity in her charitable works, particularly that of the Ladies of Charity (Dames de Charité). Émilie formed the Ladies of Charity before she entered Religious Life and the Ladies remained important collaborators in the mission even after the Congregation was founded. This is the inspiration for the forming of Providence Associates.
History of Providence Associates in Western Canada
The General Chapter of 1982 resolved that the Sisters of Providence will accept lay persons as Providence Associates. Before that year, the Sisters of Providence in Holy Angels Province (Western Canada) never had formal associates. The provincial leadership team was tasked to formulate policies pertaining to Associate members. Sister Gloria Keylor, then Provincial Superior, was the first Director of the program and she was assisted by three other Sisters of Providence.
In September 1983, eight candidates from Western Canada met for the first time and in November 11, 1984 they were formally received as Providence Associates.
To this day, a Sister of Providence is appointed as Director for a group of Providence Associates according to regions. However, the Associates from Edmonton and Calgary are now working towards assuming full responsibility for their own program. Their commitment renewal is done every year.
Providence Associates are involved in diverse ministries of their choosing and they also assist the Sisters in some projects. In some mission areas where there is no longer presence of Sisters of Providence, the Associates continue to manifest the charism of Providence to the people in their communities.
Becoming a
Providence Associate
The process begins with the initial inquiry of the individual who feels called to become Providence Associate. This is followed by orientation period which may take between 6 months and 1 year. The orientation program includes courses on: the life and spirit of Blessed Émilie Tavernier-Gamelin, the life and spirit of Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart and Madre Bernarda Morin, History of the charism and mission of the Sisters of Providence in Western Canada, the charism of Providence, and devotion to Our Mother of Sorrows. The program also includes Covenant Retreats.
After completion of the orientation program and once an acceptance letter is received from the Congregation, a simple commitment ceremony is held. This commitment is renewed every year.
Nov. 11, 1984. Adriana Hormazabal, Esther Sali, Helen Heger, Eileen MacDonald, Winnie Mercer, Marlene Glatz, Roseline Eaglechild, and Mary Gordon.
May 25, 2024. Providence Associates from Edmonton and Calgary with 3 Sisters of Providence inside the chapel at Providence Care Centre in Calgary.
Six Providence Associates from Edmonton and Calgary visited Sr. Magdalena Chan, SP (4th from L) in Edmonton. Photo taken inside Providence Centre Chapel.
Nov. 11, 1984. Adriana Hormazabal, Esther Sali, Helen Heger, Eileen MacDonald, Winnie Mercer, Marlene Glatz, Roseline Eaglechild, and Mary Gordon.
To inquire about becoming a
Providence Associate
Contact Sister Magdalena Chan, SP
780-436-7250 (office)
403-690-2973 (cellphone)