Biography

Rose-Philippine Duchesne was born on August 29, 1769, in Grenoble, France, to a wealthy family that was deeply committed to their Catholic faith. From a young age, Rose-Philippine felt called to religious life and aspired to become a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart. However, her family was opposed to this decision, and it was not until she was 18 years old that she was able to join the order.
 
In order to escape her family’s plans for her, she convinced an aunt to accompany her on a visit to the Visitation of Holy Mary religious order’s monastery. Once there, she immediately requested admission and was accepted, leaving her aunt to return home without her and to break the news to her family. She made her final vows in 1789, just as the French Revolution was beginning to sweep the country.
 
During the revolution, many religious orders were disbanded, and religious persecution was rampant. However, Sister Rose-Philippine refused to abandon her faith or her calling to serve others. She continued to work in secret, often risking her life to provide aid and comfort to those in need. During the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, however, she was forced to move home. Determined to not be discouraged, she lived according to the Rule of her congregation and served her family, and those religious who had been imprisoned, to the best of her ability during that time.
 
Inspired by a missionary spirit Sister Rose-Philippine accepted an invitation to set up schools for Native American and French children in the diocese of Louisiana. In September of 1818 the first Sacred Heart school outside of Europe was opened in St. Charles, Missouri. The first novitiate would be opened the next year in Florissant, Missouri. Life on the frontier was fraught with hardship, from extreme cold to a shortage of resources, including food, shelter, and clothing. Despite these obstacles, Sister Rose-Philippine opened schools and orphanages, taught young girls how to read and write, and ministered to the sick and the poor.
 
It was not until Rose-Philippine was 72 years old that her wish to serve the Native Americans was granted. The Jesuit head of a mission to open a school for the Potawatomi in Sugar Creek, Kansas insisted that she join. Though ill and frail she stayed with the Potawatomi for a year, spending long hours in contemplation which earned her the nickname, Quah-kah-ka-num-ad, "Woman-Who-Prays-Always."
 
She died on November 18, 1852, at the age of 83. On July 3, 1988, Pope John Paul II declared Rose-Philippine Duchesne to be a saint. Sister Rose-Philippine was known for her kindness, her compassion, and her unwavering faith. She inspired many others to follow in her footsteps, and her legacy lives on today in the work of the Society of the Sacred Heart and other religious orders that continue to serve others around the world.

Prayer

Lord, You alone are the Center in which I find rest. Give me Your arm to support me, Your shoulders to carry me, Your breast to lean upon, Your Cross to uphold me, Your Body to nourish me. In You, Lord, I sleep and rest in peace.
Amen.