Arequipa, Peru, focus of Heritage Museum exhibit

This artwork of The Last Supper is just one of many artifacts and documents on display in the Heritage Museum
of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, ministered in Arequipa, Peru, from 1963 to 1975. A new Heritage Museum exhibit in Providence Center at the Woods focuses upon this ministry. It is free and open to the public.

In 1960, all U.S. religious congregations were asked by Pope John XXIII to create missions in Latin America beginning as soon as possible. In March of 1963, Sisters Veronica Hester (RIP), Kathleen O’Connor (RIP) and Monica Withem (RIP) left Indiana for this new mission in South America. The sisters ministered at the all-boys Colegio de San José and worked closely with the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

Included in this exhibit are many hand-carved items such as Nativity sets, dolls, crosses and Arte Grotesque pieces. Hand-crafted items include blankets, ponchos, napkins, purses, a sterling silver cross and a picture frame. There are also several paintings, photos, school annuals, plus much more.

The Heritage Museum is located in Providence Center and is open during the center's normal hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EDT), and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EDT). Click here for directions  to Providence Center