We have postponed this event and plan to reschedule. Stay tuned for details!
Journey to Sugar Creek, Kansas
A Lenten Pilgrimage to Philippine’s Home with the Potawatomi
Thursday, March 26-Friday, March 27, 2020 (2 full days).
In 1841, Philippine Duchesne traveled to Sugar Creek, Kansas and spent a year with the Potawatomi Indians, realizing a lifelong dream of working with Native Americans. She was respected and well-loved, and they called her “the woman who prays always.”
Join Sister Margaret Munch as she leads a pilgrimage to Sugar Creek to visit St. Mary’s and Mound City, where Philippine lived with the Potawatomi. Highlights of the trip include the Indian pay station, Sacred Heart Church and St. Mary’s Mission/St. Philippine Duchesne Memorial Park.
Sister Munch shares:
The reason Philippine wanted to come to America was to work with the Native Americans. When she was 72 and in poor health, she had the opportunity to work with the Potawatomi in eastern Kansas. This was a tribe that had been force-marched in 1838 and had endured the Trail of Death from northern Indiana to eastern Kansas. Father DeSmet encouraged the support of the Potawatomi, in fact, he offered to collect funds. Bishop Rosati of St. Louis supported it and Mother Barat agreed. At first there were three Religious selected, and Philippine was not among them, as no one thought her frail health would allow her to make the journey.
When Father Verhagen realized she was not included he insisted, “She is the one we want most. I don’t care if she can’t walk, we will carry her. If she can’t work, then by her presence and prayer, she will draw down all kinds of blessings and graces on the mission.” So – it was very much at the last minute, she was included.
It was an eight-day trip – four days on a steamboat west to the Kansas City area, then four days in an ox cart south to the Sugar Creek reservation where they were welcomed by the assembled Potawatomi Tribe, probably 700 or 800 people.
All alumni, parents of alumni and friends of Philippine are welcome. Don’t miss this special opportunity for a prayerful, reflective way to walk with Philippine during Lent.
Orientation Presentation
Attendees are highly encouraged to attend our orientation presentation with Sr. Munch on
Monday, March 23 at 6 p.m. at the Academy in Cribbin Hall Library.
Reservation/Cost
$40/person payable to the Academy covers stipends and supplies. You may register by clicking the button below.
Transportation
We will be happy to help arrange carpools. Cars will share gas expenses.
Meals
Lunches on Thursday and Friday will be on your own. Dinner on Thursday will be complimentary at the hotel or on your own at nearby restaurants.
Hotel
Our hotel is the Drury Inn, Overland Park, KS. Individual hotel reservations will need to be made online at www.druryhotels.com or calling 1-800-325-0720 and refer to Group 2407185. The Group name is Academy of Sacred Heart Alumni.
Rate: King, $100 / 2 Queens, $90 (The deadline to receive this rate is Sunday, March 1).
The Drury offers complimentary hot breakfast, hot evening food, up to three drinks (21+), soda and popcorn in their lobby.
Contact
This pilgrimage is presented by the Alumni Coordinating Council. For more information, please contact Charla Dziedzic ’75 (charladziedzic@gmail.com or 314 805 6454) or Lisa Tebbe, Alumni Director, ltebbe@ash1818.org or 636-946-6127.
