About Us

Jubilee

This year, we honor seven Sisters who are celebrating their 50th Jubilee and three who are celebrating 75 years of religious life! Their combined 575 years of ministry to the people of God. In addition, we also honor three Sisters who are marking their 80th year, and one who is celebrating 85 years of service to God’s people.

Just as we are one Church with many gifts (1 Corinthians 12:3-13), so too, the Sisters of Divine Providence is one Community with many gifts. Sisters are individuals who bring to religious life their varied talents and personal gifts. They are scholars, educators, compassionate listeners, social activists. Some care for the sick of body, others for the frail elderly, and some for those tormented by addiction or mental illness. There are artists and writers, missionary sisters, gardeners, cooks and musicians. The Community is blessed by the combination of gifts and talents and strengthened for its mission to meet the needs of the times.

With so many years of combined ministry, our jubilarian Sisters have influenced the lives of thousands of people. They have truly made a difference in the world and will be remembered with love and thankfulness. She may have been a favorite second grade teacher or a high school educator who helped a troubled teen. She may have eased the suffering of a hospital patient or been present with a grieving family. A meal may have been prepared by her hands and served with dignity to a person who is homeless. There are as many ways of being Providence to people as there are Sisters. Each brings her own giftedness to ministry and each will be remembered for the particular way that she was able to make God’s Providence visible.

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85 Years

Sister Floretta Hoerster

Sister Floretta Hoerster, 99,  is the eldest of the Sisters residing at Providence Heights. She entered the Community from St. Martin’s in the West End of Pittsburgh. She was influenced in her vocation by the example of her mother’s faith and by the principal of St. Martin School, Sister Agnes Meinert. Sister Floretta was one of the earliest missionary Sisters, traveling to Puerto Rico in 1933, just one year after the first mission was established there. She willingly stepped outside of her own comfort zone, away from family and friends, away from the culture and social structure to which she was accustomed. She was excited and considered it a great adventure. “I was young and it was fun,” she said. “I loved the challenge of a new beginning.” Sister Floretta taught in Arecibo, Utuado and Orocovis for a total of 25 years (1933-46, 1959-70, 1977-78).  She returned to Pittsburgh in 1978 and taught at the Providence Heights Alpha School until her retirement in 1993. Since then, Sister Floretta has supported the missions through prayer. She enjoys reading and puzzles.

80 Years

Sister Edna Herbst

Sister Edna Herbst, (formerly Sister Regis Marie), a gifted artist, was professor emeritus at La Roche College where she served as coordinator of the fine arts department and a teacher from 1972 until her retirement in 1988. She entered religious life in 1929 from St. Joseph parish in Braddock. She was 15.She Edna enjoyed teaching, and taught in several diocesan schools including SS. Peter and Paul, East Liberty (1933-38, 1941-42, 1944-45), St. Basil’s, Carrick (1955-68), and St. Thomas, Braddock (1968-72). She especially loved teaching art. Sister Edna earned a master’s degree in fine arts from Notre Dame University in 1964. She had more than 30 one-person shows in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Massachusetts and took part in many exhibits. A number of her paintings hang in the offices and sitting rooms of the Pittsburgh motherhouse of the community. Her largest project, a floor to ceiling mural, adorns the rear wall of the auditorium. They depict sisters in various stages of formation and in ministry. Despite failing vision, Sister Edna (with the aid of special magnifying glasses) was able to work on the computer, making cards and special greetings for friends and family. She suffered a stroke in 2004 and which limits her mobility, but she is active in the ministry of prayer.

Sister Victorine Verosky

Sister Victorine Verosky entered the Community in 1929 from St. Michael’s in Braddock. Her love of learning set her on a course that would eventually lead to a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in secondary education, a master’s degree in theology and a Ph.D. in English literature. Following her master’s education she taught at Catholic high schools in Pennsylvania and Ohio. After completing her doctorate, she returned to Pittsburgh as academic dean at La Roche College. Within two years, she was invited to begin a training program for young women in Korea interested in joining the Sisters of Divine Providence in the new Korean foundation. During this time, she was a member of the faculty of Sogang University, the Jesuit University in Seoul. She remained in Korea as the founding regional superior for 21 years. She became an expert in the Korean language as well as in the literature of Asia. From this ministry, Sister Victorine traveled to Haiti, where she became academic dean at the American University of Les Cayes. In 1990, Sister Victorine moved to New York City and began to minister at Jeremiah’s Field, a shelter for homeless women, many who were in the judicial system for drugs or prostitution. She reluctantly retired in 2002, stating, “If we’ll live till 115, why retire at 65, or even 85?”

Sister Dolores Elizabeth Werling

Sister Dolores Elizabeth Werling (formerly Sister Mary Ferdinand) celebrates 75 years of religious life this year. One of eight children, she entered the Community from St. Martin Parish in Pittsburgh’s West End. Her parents were devout Catholics and set a good example in the home. Sister also credits Sister Regina, her first grade teacher, with encouraging her vocation. As far as her desire to become a nurse, this she attributes to the example of her older sister, Esther, a nurse, was a great influence on her life. For 20 years, Sister Dolores Elizabeth ministered as a nurse anesthetist at Braddock Hospital (1935-46, 1949-53, 1957-62). Prior to that, she held the same position at St. Joseph Hospital in Warren, Ohio (1970-83). She recounts, “I have been touched by many experiences with the people I met as a nurse through the years. Not all experiences were happy, but I did my best to ease people’s suffering. It was rewarding to serve God’s people through nursing, a ministry of healing. I enjoyed every day of it.”

75 Years

Sister Francine Barsh

Sister Francine Barsh entered religious life from All Saints parish, Etna, Pa., having been inspired in her vocation by her parents and the Sisters of Divine Providence who were her teachers and examples. A teacher for more than 45 years, Sister Francine describes herself as compassionate, patient, and caring; the attributes that made her a wonderful educator. She especially enjoyed teaching the upper grades. She taught in the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Wheeling, and Detroit. Sister Francine also was an elementary school principal.

After retiring from education, Sister Francine developed an interest in social service to the elderly. For nine years (1978-81), she ministered with the elderly at the former San Rosaria in Cambridge Springs and Kane Hospital. She spent several years as a home companion for senior adults living alone.

Sister Francine enjoys math and music, and remains inquisitive to learn new things. She keeps abreast of all that goes on in her Community. Sister Francine is a prayerful woman and in her own words, has always trusted in God in whatever was requested of her.

Sister Mary Esther Karl

Sister Mary Esther Karl entered religious life from her home parish, the former St. Mary’s (now Christ Prince of Peace) in Ford City, Pa. She wanted to become a religious at an early age, and feels that her life has been enriched in many ways because of her vocation. She is grateful to the Community for the opportunity to pursue her music studies.

Sister Mary Esther earned a master’s degree in music education from Duquesne University in 1960. Sister taught classroom subjects as well as music in a number of diocesan schools including St. Basil’s (Carrick), St. Mary’s (Beaver Falls), and St. Mary’s (McKees Rocks), and St. Mary’s (Sharpsburg).

Interested in all things musical, Sister was the diocesan director of the Music Honor Society (1959-66); served on the National Catholic Music Educators Association national board (1964-76). She served as Department Chairman of the National Music Organization. She was a music instructor at Maria Regina High School in Uniondale, NY (1972-77) and then became a music instructor and chairperson of the music department at Divine Providence Academy (1977-84). She was also was a member of the Sisters’ orchestra in the 50s.

Sister DeLellis Oravitz

Sister DeLellis Oravitz, formerly Sister Grace Elizabeth, entered religious life from St. Mary’s parish in Beaver Falls, Pa. Her mother encouraged her vocation as did the Sisters who taught her at St. Mary’s. “I always wanted to be a religious Sister and to this day I am so happy I am in the convent. My siblings used to tease me and say ‘She’ll never stick it out’ -- but here I am!”

Sister DeLellis worked in the office at the former Divine Providence Hospital in the North Side from 1962 to 1983. She also ministered in the school office at St. John’s in Monaca (1983-97), and would substitute in the classroom whenever needed. Over the years, she also enjoyed tutoring children. She describes herself as quiet with an appreciation for humor and an interest in current events. Sister worked for a few years in the Community archives upon her return to Providence Heights in 1997. She is retired and active in the ministry of prayer.

50 Years

Sister Ana Leticia Plasencia Barrios

Sister Ana Leticia Plasencia Barrios, formerly Sister Marisstella, entered religious life in Pittsburgh from her home parish of San Felipe, Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Though she has a great love for the Island, in 1985 she moved to New York to be close to her family, which had emigrated there. She ministered in New York for 22 years, first in the Bronx and later in Brooklyn, where her parents lived. She was in pastoral ministry at Our Lady of Angels Church in Brooklyn from 1997-2008. After her mother’s death in 2008, Sister moved to Pittsburgh, where she is currently in transition. Prior to her ministry in New York, she spent ten years in pastoral ministry at John the Baptist Church in Orocovis, Puerto Rico (1962-66; 1967-78).

Since the age of 12, Letty wanted to be a Sister. The example of the Holy Ghost fathers and the Sisters of Divine Providence, whom she met in her parish, inspired her in her vocation. Her name, Letitia, means happy, joyful, and she is. She believes her gift to God and to her Community is the charism of compassion and her trust in God that in some small way she can bring joy, hope, love, and compassion to those she encounters daily.

Sister Rose Elena Reyes Colón

Sister Rose Elena Reyes Colón was inspired through a vocational retreat at San Miguel parish in Utuado, Puerto Rico. She subsequently entered the community from Sacred Heart of Jesus parish. For the past 13 years, Sister Rose Elena has been a faith volunteer in pastoral ministry at Sacred Heart of Jesus. Prior to that, she spent 15 years at Sacred Heart Colegio in San Felipe, Arecibo (1962-68); Colegio San Felipe, Arecibo (1979-94) and four years at Colegio San Miguel, Parroquia, San Miguel, Utuado (1970-74).

Amiable, responsible, and Spirit-filled are the words that Sister Rose Elena uses to describe herself. She feels that by her example, her work and her prayers, she lives her Community’s charism as a Provident woman, united with the Spirit of Jesus who directs her to promote peace, joy, and love. “By my life, I try to bring souls to Jesus,” she says. “In my life of prayer, I unite myself with God and whatever I do is done with care, with love, for this is God’s will for me. The most rewarding life is this life united to God, working for God, announcing the gospel to all creatures, bringing souls to God by loving, praying and sharing our life with our brothers and sisters.”

Sister Catherine Ann Koller

Sister Catherine Ann Koller, formerly Sister John Joseph, entered the Community from St. Joseph parish in Duquesne, Pa. Sister credits her family’s commitment to the practice of our Catholic faith and the Sisters of Divine Providence who taught as inspiration for her vocation. She felt drawn to the Community and attended Marycrest Prep School before she entered.

Since 1990, Sister Catherine Ann has been an educational consultant with the Department for Catholic Schools in Diocese of Pittsburgh. Prior to this assignment, Sister was principal at St. Basil School in Carrick, Pa. from 1982-90. Sister Catherine Ann describes herself as joyful, dependable, and practical. This combination has served her well in her life and ministry. According to Sister, “Our Provident God has guided my life and decisions. Opportunities for service and ministry unfolded in surprising ways. My ministry in Catholic elementary education began as a first grade teacher and continued through all of the grades as I served in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh, the Archdiocese of Detroit, Wheeling, Charleston and back to Pittsburgh as a teacher, principal, and educational consultant.”

Sister Carole Riley

Sister Carole Riley, formerly Sister Mary Patrick, entered religious life from St. Anne’s in Castle Shannon, Pa. Among her teaching assignments were St. Mary’s High School, McKees Rocks, Pa., (1966-72); St. Mary’s in Glenshaw, Pa (1962-66). Sister Carole founded the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality in Charleston, WV. Since 1969, she has been professor of music and spirituality at Duquesne University. In addition, she has authored many tapes/DVDs/CDs for publication through St. Anthony Publications, Alba House Publications and St. Paul Press.

Sister Carole bases her living on the words of the Community’s foundress: “Visibly do I see in all things the wonderful Providence of God.” Marie de la Roche was led to action through contemplation. Sister believes her graced collaboration with the Spiritans and with ecumenical communities through music teaching and spiritual direction enables her to be both a ‘contemplative in action’ and to be a witness to the vibrancy of Providence today.

Her travels have allowed her to experience spirituality from the people around the world whom she has been honored to serve. Sister Carole was awarded the Religious Formation National Award: Emil Penet for excellence in formation and her impact on the U.S. through the mentoring model; and also the President’s Service Award, and Duquesne University’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Sister Jo Ann Simanella

Sister Jo Ann is known for her bubbly personality and compassionate nature. “I am aware of God’s Providence made visible to me each day through the people I meet and the experiences I have,” she says.

Sister Jo Ann entered the Sisters of Divine Providence in St. Louis on June 28, 1959 and professed her final vows in June 1967, taking the name James Marie. She earned a bachelor of arts in American Studies from Marillac College in St. Louis and a master of science in education from the University of Dayton. She also completed the Catholic Leadership Program for elementary school administration at Boston College.

Sister Jo Ann ministered in Catholic schools in Missouri and Illinois from 1962 – 1987, including 17 years at Divine Providence School in Westchester, Illinois, where she served as both teacher and principal. She also served at Mary Queen of the Universe School in Lemay, Mo., Ascension School in Normandy, Mo., St. John School in Imperial, Mo., St. Mary – St. Mark School in Madison & Venice, Ill., St. Mary’s School in Brussels, Ill., Mount Providence School in Normandy, Immaculate Heart of Mary School in St. Louis and St. Elizabeth’s School in Granite City, Ill. She cared for neglected, abused and refugee children for two years at the Sisters of Divine Providence Johannesstift Kinderheim (Home for Children) in Oberursel Germany. She served on the St. Louis Provincial Council, 1996 – 2001.

Sister Jo Ann works at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in Creve Coeur, in outpatient registration. She serves as a Eucharistic Minister and on the Bereavement Committee in her home parish.

Sister Carol R. Tenerovich

Sister Carol R. Tenerovich entered religious life from Our Lady of Victory parish in Harwick, Pa.  She was most influenced in her vocation by the joy she experienced with the young Sisters serving at St. Alphonsus Elementary School in Springdale, Pa., among them, Sisters Laurie (Laurentia) Hoegle, Mary Gilbert, and Charlotte Gatz.

Presently she is a volunteer in pastoral ministry at the Fayette Prison in LaBelle, Pa. She has been in the ministry for five years and finds it extraordinarily gratifying. She also volunteers at the Providence Family Support Center on the North Side. Through her volunteer ministries, she feels she is able to give the most vulnerable among us a sense that God is with them, God cares about them and wishes to be their companion in life.

Prior to this, she was with the Office of Religious Education, Diocese of Wheeling, Charleston, WV for eight years (1980-88, years that she describes as “the most growth-filled and exciting of my entire religious education career.” She also ministered at St. John De La Salle Parish in Delmont (1973-79).

Sister Carol’s life and ministry reflect her belief that “the lifestyles of women religious are often very interesting, meaningful, exciting, and fulfilling.”

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