"An open heart and open doors: Come in and get to know our community."

Sisters of Divine Providence

With every click on our homepage, you immerse yourself in the world of our community. Discover who we are, the areas of our lives, our spiritual orientation, and the diverse challenges our sisterhood embraces.

We wish you much joy and inspiration as you explore and warmly invite you to learn more about us. Feel free to take a look around!

Paths of Vocation – Royal Ways

My Journey: Steps Toward the Community of the Sisters of Divine Providence.

Sister Kelly

As an accountant, Sister Kelly ensures with care and precision that the community’s financial operations run smoothly. With a clear vision and an open heart, she lays the foundation for social projects to grow and thrive.

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Sister Angelika

As a pastoral caregiver, Sister Angelika provides strength and comfort to those in need. With great dedication, she visits patients at the university medical center, leads reflective services in the psychiatric ward, and supports the St. Stephan parish as a sacristan. With compassion and spiritual depth, she offers hope to many.

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Sister Liberata

As an ethics advisor, Sister Liberata helps to find the right balance between medical possibilities and human well-being, always with the patient’s best interest in mind. With an open heart and a clear focus on what matters, she reminds us that in the midst of suffering, hope and humanity hold an important place.

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How it all began and continues to have an impact today

The roots of our community trace back to the 19th century, when Bishop Wilhelm Emmanuel von Ketteler played a central role. He advocated for the working class and the faith during a time of great challenges. From this spirit, the Sisters of Divine Providence, also known as the Mainz Sisters, were born. Today, we work internationally and interculturally in the service of the Church, taking responsibility for God’s creation, filled with living love for God and people.

Bishop von Ketteler, pastor and social reformer, fought for social justice and the freedom of religion.

 

Miners from the Ruhr area brought their pit lamp to the Ketteler grave in Mainz in 1934 as a symbol of their deep connection with Bishop von Ketteler. It continues to burn into the present day.

Fanny de la Roche, originally from a French Huguenot family, converted to the Catholic faith, determined to dedicate her life to boundless trust in God’s Providence.

"The spirit of community is above all the spirit of Jesus Christ Himself.“

Bishop Ketteler

Mission and Values

We, the Sisters of Divine Providence, are an international community shaped by cultural diversity and united in trust in God’s Providence. In our mission, we follow the spirit of Jesus, striving to be God’s loving presence for all of creation in its joys and sufferings.

Prayers of Providence

WE PRAISE, O LORD, YOUR PROVIDENCE AND WE PLACE OURSELVES IN YOUR LOVING CARE

– with praise and thanks for the good and beautiful things we have received,

– with confidence when we experience our limits,

– with devotion to Your mysterious divine will in times of suffering and disappointment.

WE LIVE FROM YOUR PROVIDENCE, HELP US MAKE IT TRANSPARENT IN OUR WORLD

– through faithfulness, living as responsible stewards of the earth and our personal gifts,

– through courage, by working for the good and justice in our time,

– through compassion, by taking on the joys and sufferings of Your people,

– through hope, as we collaborate with people of good will to build Your kingdom.

AMEN

General Chapter 1995

Prayer as the Heart of Our Life

For us as sisters, communal prayer is a central part of our day and an expression of our faith. In these moments, we realign ourselves with God and with others. The Liturgy of the Hours, prayed together at specific times of the day, plays a special role in this. The Morning Lauds and the Evening Vespers serve as the anchor points of our prayer life.

In the rhythm of creation and in the prayer of the Church, we find comfort and connection. Millions of believers around the world are united in prayer – an experience that deeply moves and inspires us. As we pray the Psalms and meditate, we reflect on our own existence from God’s perspective and draw new strength for daily life.

The physical posture also plays an important role in prayer. Standing, sitting, and bowing reflect our inner attitude of humility, respect, and devotion. These conscious movements deepen our prayer and help us experience God’s presence more intensely.

Prayer is more than just a religious practice – it is our connection to God, a source of community, and a renewal of our spirit. Whether in silence or fellowship, communal prayer offers comfort, strength, and hope for each day.

Community

The religious community of the Sisters of Divine Providence was founded in 1851 in Mainz-Finthen and is directly associated with the Pope. The founding house still serves as the seat of the Emmanuel von Ketteler Province. Over the years, the community expanded with several significant new foundations. In 1876, the first sisters emigrated to the USA under political pressure from Bismarck, laying the foundation for what is now the Marie de la Roche Province, which is headquartered there. Later, additional locations were established, including Puerto Rico (date to follow).

Since 1931, the community has owned the Villa Mater Dei in Rome, which serves as the headquarters of the General Leadership and is of central importance. This house symbolizes the worldwide connection of the sisters, who, as a community of pontifical right, are directly subject to the Pope. Parts of the villa are rented out as “Casa di Ferie,” an accommodation particularly valued for its proximity to the Vatican. Since 1961, the community has been internationally active in Peru, initially building a hospital and an orphanage. Today, their focus is on pastoral care for youth and students, as well as advocating for social justice. In 1964, the sisters expanded their missionary work to Korea, where they continue to support people in need. The Sisters of Divine Providence, through their history and mission, represent a global community built on faith, care, and responsibility.

@ 2025 Schwestern von der Göttlichen Vorsehung Mainz e. V.