Related Books
Mary, Mother of Divine Providence
Commemorated on Third Saturday of November
Our Lady of Providence or Our Lady of Divine Providence is a reference to Mary (Mother of Jesus) in relationship with Divine Providence. Various Roman Catholic groups have a particular devotion to Our Lady of Providence.History
Around 1580, The Italian painter Scipione Pulzone created a work titled "Mater Divinae Providentiae," which depicted the Blessed Mother cradling the Infant Jesus. This painting was given to the Barnabite religious order in 1663. In 1664, the painting was placed in the corridor of the church of San Carlo ai Catinari in Rome, where it drew many faithful visitors.
In 1774, Pope Benedict XIV authorized the Confraternity of Our Lady of Providence, a lay organization created for the purpose of promoting special works of Christian charity or piety. Pope Gregory XVI elevated it to an Archconfraternity in 1839.
On August 5, 1896, Superior General of the Barnabites Father Benedict Nisser decreed that every Barnabite have a copy of the painting in their home.
Our Lady of Providence is the patroness of Indiana, and Our Lady of Divine Providence is the patroness of Puerto Rico; Our Lady of Providence is also the patroness of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island.