November 18

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

When they lived:

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, also known as Saint Rose of Lima, lived during a period of great historical significance. She was born on August 29, 1769, in Grenoble, France, and she passed away on November 18, 1852, in St. Charles, Missouri, USA.

Where they lived:

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne’s life was marked by remarkable geographic mobility. She spent her early years in France, where she joined the Society of the Sacred Heart. Later in life, she ventured to the New World, specifically to the United States, where she became known as the “Woman Who Prays Always.” Her pioneering spirit led her to establish the first Sacred Heart school in America in Florissant, Missouri.

Notable world events during the time of her life:

American Revolution (1775-1783): St. Rose Philippine Duchesne lived through the American Revolution, a period of intense political and social upheaval in the American colonies. While she was still a child in France at the time, the revolution’s impact rippled across the Atlantic, influencing the world she would eventually inhabit.
French Revolution (1789-1799): As a young nun in France, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne faced the challenges of the French Revolution, which brought significant changes to French society, including the suppression of religious orders. Her determination to serve her faith in such tumultuous times showcases her unwavering commitment to her vocation.
Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806): While St. Rose Philippine Duchesne was not directly involved, she lived during the era of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This pioneering journey expanded the frontiers of knowledge about the American West, a region where she would later carry out her missionary work.
Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815): The Napoleonic Wars reshaped the political landscape of Europe during St. Rose Philippine Duchesne’s lifetime. They brought both turmoil and opportunity as she worked to establish and expand the Society of the Sacred Heart’s presence in the United States.
Steam Engine Invention (late 18th to early 19th century): The development of the steam engine revolutionized transportation and industry during St. Rose Philippine Duchesne’s lifetime. This technological advancement played a role in the spread of the Catholic faith as well as her own travels within the United States.
Missouri Compromise (1820): St. Rose Philippine Duchesne lived during a pivotal moment in American history when the Missouri Compromise was enacted. This legislation aimed to maintain a balance between slave and free states, impacting the social and political landscape of the region where she conducted her missionary work.

Patronage:

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne is the patron saint of several significant causes and groups:

Catholic Schools: She is the patroness of Catholic schools and educators, reflecting her dedication to providing education to young people and her establishment of the first Sacred Heart school in the United States.
Religious Freedom: St. Rose Philippine Duchesne’s life was marked by a commitment to her faith in the face of political and social challenges. She is a symbol of perseverance and religious freedom.
Native Americans: During her time in America, she demonstrated deep respect and care for Native American communities, earning her the title of the “Woman Who Prays Always” among the Potawatomi people. She serves as a patron for Native American rights and reconciliation efforts.

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne’s life is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of education in times of great historical change. Her legacy continues to inspire and guide those who seek to make a positive impact on the world.

Early Life

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne was born on August 29, 1769, in France. Her mother, Rose-Euphrosine Périer, was a sister of Claude Perier. On the other hand, her father, Pierre-François Duchesne, was a very prominent lawyer during the Day of the Tiles.

Furthermore, she was the second-eldest daughter of seven daughters and one son. She grew up in a big family home known as the Palace of Justice in Grenoble, France.

Soon after a bout of smallpox attacked Rose Philippine Duchesne in 1781, she was sent with her cousin to the Monastery of Sainte-Marie-d’en-Haut to be educated. This was a very prestigious place to be educated during this time, and only those of high social status were allowed to attend.

St. Rose Philippine with her cousin at the monastery school

While attending the monastery, Rose began to develop a strong attachment to monastic life. This was heavily opposed by her family, and as a result, her father removed her from the school. She was then educated at home with her cousins.

Despite her family’s opposition, in 1788, Rose Philippine Duchesne entered the Visitation of Holy Mary religious order. She was given immediate admission and continued staying with the members of the order until it was shut down during the French Revolution in 1792.

During this time, the nuns and members were dispersed. As a result of this, Rose Philippine Duchesne returned to her family home. She continued her charitable work by attending to those suffering from the French Revolution and those who had been imprisoned in the monastery.

The Works of Rose Philippine Duchesne

In 1801, the churches of France were allowed to continue their work again. Thus, Rose Philippine Duchesne attempted to re-establish the Visitation Monastery alongside the Mother Superior. However, this proved to be an impossible task as the living conditions were not viable for such operations. This is because the original building was used as a military barracks and a prison during the war and was in shambles as a result.

Keeping strong in her faith and not giving up, Rose Philippine Duchesnein, 1804, made an agreement with the founder of the new Society of the Sacred Heart. The founder of the new Society of the Sacred Heart was Madame-Sophie Barat, and together, they merged the Visitation community with the new community.

The two ladies became best friends and worked closely together to make a change in their society. The community they ran educated young women and was an enclosed religious order. In 1815, Rose Philippine Duchesne established a convent in Paris. This convent was known as the Convent of the Sacred Heart. Here, she also opened a school and became the mistress of novices.

It was soon after this that Rose Philippine Duchesne began her missionary work in America. Her first missionary work began in 1818 in Missouri, America. The journey to get to Missouri, America, took a total of seven weeks.

Upon arrival, Rose Philippine Duchesne and her companions immediately established a new Sacred Heart convent. It was here that they also opened a school and a novitiate. At first, the convent faced several issues, including a lack of funds, inadequate housing, hunger, and freezing weather. It was not until the Sacred Heart community was well established that they overcame these problems.

Another notable mission done by Rose Philippine Duchesne and her companions was that to Kansas in 1841. Rose Philippine Duchesne and her companions joined the Jesuits on their mission to Father Christian Hoecken in eastern Kansas. At the age of 71, this mission took its toll on Rose Philippine Duchesne. However, she was determined to help the Native Americans.

While on this mission, Rose Philippine Duchesne was nicknamed “Quahkahkanumad, which translates as Woman Who Prays Always, by the local community. This is because, due to her elderly age, she was unable to teach. Therefore, she spent the majority of her time in prayer.

The Death of Saint Rose, Philippine Duchesne

On November 18, 1852, at the age of 83, Rose Philippine Duchesne passed away in Missouri. Once her health began declining, she returned to St.Charles, Missouri. Here, she lived in a room under the stairway near the chapel for approximately a decade. She was alone, going blind, and feeble in her last few months.

She is remembered as the patron saint of perseverance and adversity. On July 3, 1988, Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne was canonized by Pope John Paul II in Vatican City.

5 Interesting Facts About St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church.
Church, with her feast day celebrated on November 18.
In her memory, there is a major shrine for Saint Rose.
Philippine Duchesne. The shrine can still be seen today in Missouri.
United States of America.
Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne was beatified on May 12, 1940, in the
Vatican City, by Pope Pius XII.
Her uncle was Claude Perier, an industrialist who helped finance
the rise to power of Napoleon.
Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne’s cousin, Casimir, later became the
Prime Minister of France

Prayer to St. Rose, Philippine Duchesne

When we are asked to be bold and courageous, you are our inspiration. When our imaginations dream and see beyond the limits of our sight, you are our hope. When we fail to meet a challenge and need to accept our limitations, you are our model. When we pray with the desire for deep union with God, you are our saint. And with your blessing, to the greater glory of God, we seek to be loving people who live and serve others with your same purpose, vision, and quiet humility. Amen.