OBLATE OF PROVIDENCE

Oblate Sister of Providence –  Sister Maribeth Clarissa, O.S.P.                                                                                        † The first Congregation of Women Religious of African Descent                                                                  Serving God’s People of Color Through Education †                                                                            “Providentia Providebit.”  –  “Providence Will Provide.”

Founders:  Servant of God, Mother Mary Lange, O.S.P.  (Elizabeth Lange)                                                             Reverend James Nicholas Joubert, S.S.

Place:  Baltimore, Maryland

Year:  1829 A.D.

Her Charism:  The persistent denial of the humanity of all black people stemming from the racial basis of slavery in the United States convinced many white people in America of black inferiority.  This Sister was born to change that thinking.  She is committed to and inspired by virtue (especially humility), a disciplined pursuit of perfection, and defiance of the racial stereotypes of Blacks as inveterate wantons.  With total trust in God’s Providence, she vows to educate and evangelize African-Americans and to be open to the needs of the times.  She works to rise above social and religious stigmas by bringing joy, healing, and the liberating redemptive love of the suffering Jesus to victims of poverty, racism, and injustice.  Teaching is the main focus of her ministry, but she also devotes herself to the care of orphans, catechetical instruction, and lay retreats.  This Sister’s sole wish is to do the will of God and prove that Christ-like racial inclusion and diversity enrich a nation and the world.