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March 24, 2022By Maria LeDoux
CFP Intern
Women in the Guild of Our Lady of Providence spent the morning of March 19 in a Phelan Center conference room at Blessed Sacrament Church where Sister Francis Murphy, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, 92, reflected on 13 women in Scripture who lived courageous lives as vessels of God’s power and love.
Donna Wrenn, the president of the Guild of Our Lady of Providence, has been friends with Sister Francis for years and wanted to find new ways of engagement for the women of the Guild, she said.
Sister Francis found an interest in the women of Scripture through her theology classes and retreats.
“You reflect on these things more deeply through prayer. I did research on these women and reflected more,” Sister Francis said.
She told stories about Jochebed - Moses’ mother, Hannah, Deborah, Judith, Rahab, Ruth, Abigail and Queen Esther from the Old Testament, as well as the Syrophoenician woman, the widow’s mite story, the woman with a hemorrhage and the woman at the well from the New Testament.
The talk concluded with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sister Francis expounded on “her fidelity to God’s call” and how she is a “true role model” for all women.
“She is a model for all of us. Whatever we go through, she has been through…. Out of any sorrow has to come the joy… we will never be left in the depth,” Sister Francis stated.
Some notable characters in the reflections were not Hebrew/Israelite women, yet they were still chosen to have important roles in history and sacred Scripture, Sister Francis said. Rahab and Ruth were chosen by God to be in direct ancestry of Jesus in the Old Testament. From the New Testament, the woman at the well and the Syrophoenician woman were Canaanites, yet Jesus showed them his love.
Sister Francis’ storytelling came to life when discussing the “courage, steadfastness and wisdom of these women” who became influential characters in history through the “power of their prayers, and their faith and trust in the God who loves and cares for all.”
Sister Francis even interjected bits of humor and the women in the Guild erupted with laughter. Toward the end of her reflections, she remarked, “These women discovered that God is the God of salvation… how incredible is that?”
During a break, one member joyfully remarked, “Isn’t this just fascinating!” Another said, “I’m learning so much. We didn’t learn about the Bible much in school.”
Mary Maher, from St. Mary Parish in Shrewsbury, has been a part of the Guild of Our Lady of Providence since the 1960s. With a big smile on her face, Mrs. Maher tells about how she got involved with the Guild.
“I am from Boston. My husband is from Worcester. I had six young kids. I couldn’t do much at the time but this was a really wonderful place. It is so nice to be a part of a group that gives back to the community and the Church,” Mrs. Maher said.
Mrs. Wrenn indicated that Mrs. Maher has been an asset to the group by taking on works like mailings and donating often to the charities to which the Guild provides support. Mrs. Maher has spent decades giving her time as a member.
The mission of the Guild of Our Lady of Providence is the “promotion and advancement of the educational, health, and charitable needs of the Diocese of Worcester.”
According to Mrs. Wrenn, the group has ties to St. Vincent Hospital; formerly many members were doctor’s wives and they supported ministries such as free medical programs.
Other events put on by the Guild of Our Lady of Providence include a Spring Luncheon, Adopt-a-Student, a Christmas Mini-Fair, and Baby Shower. The next event will be a Fashion Show with members as models and the support of Adores Boutique in Worcester. All proceeds raised from events are gifted to charities.
Sister Francis’ reflections on Women in Scripture revealed the power of women. She stated, “And Jesus looked on her with love … When any one of us does something that’s kind, that comes from the heart, I’d say that God looks at us with love.”
– The Guild of Our Lady of Providence is always seeking new members. If you are interested in joining or for more information, contact Donna Wrenn at (508) 832-2535.
