Oblate Sisters of Providence

The Oblate Sisters of Providence, a religious institute of pontifical right, was founded in 1829 by Elizabeth Clarissa Lange, a refugee from what is now known as Haiti. Fleeing from the turmoil and chaos of her native island, San Domingue, she settled with other Frenchspeaking refugees in Baltimore, Maryland, the busy port city and site of St. Mary's Seminary. The French priests there were sympathetic to the plight of these San Domingans, many of whom were well-educated.

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Lange was deeply moved by the fact that the children of these refugees could not attend school, because Baltimore was a racist city in the segregated South and it was illegal to educate black children. Lange, woman of conviction and courage, brought into her own home as many of these children as she could, and gave them an education. This stop-gap school continued until her funds ran out.

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It was at this time that one of the Sulpician priests, Father Joubert, realized the need for a school for the children who came to him for catechism. Aware of Lange's home school, he approached her about its future and suggested the foundation of a religious community which could perpetuate it. Unknown to him. she had long desired to become a religious, but because of her race, it was impossible.

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This "Providence Moment" - when Lange and Joubert met and exchanged ideas - marked the beginning of the Oblate Congregation which was the first for Black women in the entire history of the Catholic Church. A deep concern for the poor, particularly in the area of education, and an abiding faith and trust in God's Providence, have continued to be their two-edged charism.

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From its controversial beginning, the Oblate Congregation has struggled through decades of social upheaval and challenges which only served to strengthen its resolve and will to survive. As time changes, the Oblates accept new challenges to their spiritual strength and courage. Today they have added a new dimension of leadership to pastoral work, parish planning, administration, adult education and retreats. Education continues to be one of their primary works. They can be found in ministries in seven States, the District of Columbia, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic.

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http://members.aol.com/aliceosp/

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