St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
Religious of the Sacred Heart and Pioneer Missionary
Feast Day: November 18
Biography
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769–1852) was born on August 29, 1769, in Grenoble, France, into a prominent family. At eighteen she entered the Visitation convent of Sainte-Marie-d'en-Haut near Grenoble, but the French Revolution closed it in 1792. During the years of turmoil she cared for the sick and for imprisoned priests. In 1804 she joined the new Society of the Sacred Heart founded by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat. From childhood she had longed to serve in the missions, and in 1818, at forty-nine, she sailed with four companions to Louisiana. At the invitation of Bishop Louis William DuBourg, she settled in St. Charles, Missouri, where she opened the first free school west of the Mississippi River. She went on to found schools, an orphanage, and convents in Missouri and Louisiana, enduring poverty, harsh winters, and many disappointments. Her great desire was to serve Native Americans, and in 1841, at seventy-one, she went to the Potawatomi mission at Sugar Creek, Kansas. Too old to learn their language, she spent long hours in prayer, and the people reportedly called her 'Woman Who Prays Always.' After a year she returned to St. Charles, where she died on November 18, 1852. Pope Pius XII beatified her in 1940, and Pope St. John Paul II canonized her in 1988.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, you waited many years to follow your missionary call and never stopped praying when your strength failed. Pray for teachers, missionaries, and all who serve Native American communities. When my work seems fruitless, help me to persevere in prayer and to trust that God uses every offering made with love. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.