Ten years ago today, I stood in St Peter square for the canonization of our beloved Mother Theodore Guerin. Our party of 500, including Sisters of Providence and laity from St. Mary of the Woods College, joined tens of thousands of others to witness this momentous event. The pride and excitement that emanated from all of us was electrifying.

We feel connected to our Mother Theodore as if she was our living and breathing mentor. We sense her energy when we walk the ground that she did. Mother Theodore encountered countless challenges and hardships, but she never lost her faith or love of the people she cared for.We strive to follow her exemplary model.

Mother Theodore dedicated herself to the Lord at the age of ten. As an emigrant from France to the US, she entrusted her Midwest community of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana and the college known today as Saint Mary of the Woods, to God. Her mantras were: Trust in Providence and Lean on Providence.

During her canonization, Pope Benedict called her Saint Theodora as well as Saint Mother Theodore. Either name may be used correctly, although those connected with the Woods, almost entirely call her Saint Mother Theodore Guérin, while the general public knows her as Saint Theodora.

Coming so close to a real saint and being privileged to attend her canonization, makes me want to be like her. At the very least, Saint Mother Theodore/Saint Theodora reminds me to trust everything to the Lord.

Seven Principles of Sainthood is available from ACTA Publications, Amazon, and my website. Paperback, 160 pages, $12.95

Saint Theodora and Her Promise to God is available from Amazon and my website. Hardcover, 34 pages, $16.99