Statue of St. Mother Theodore Guerin dedicated at national shrine

Published: 2008-05-14

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Hundreds of pilgrims from across the country joined the Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., for the dedication of a life-size sculpture of their foundress, St. Mother Theodore Guerin, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington May 10. St. Mother Theodore is the newest U.S. saint, the eighth from this country and the first saint from Indiana. She was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI Oct. 15, 2006. The sculpture, made of Indiana limestone, is located in Mary's Garden, which is behind the shrine. It honors Mary and other women saints. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, celebrated the dedication Mass in the shrine's crypt church. Following the Mass, the dedication of the statue took place at the garden. Pilgrims who attended included Sisters of Providence, alumni of schools founded by the sisters, and others who had some connection to the religious order founded by St. Mother Theodore.

Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .