Today we celebrate 255 years of the pioneering Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne! Born on August 29, 1769, in Grenoble, France, Rose Philippine Duchesne led a life of mission and courage. Here is how Philippine inspires us today to live out the Five Goals of a Sacred Heart Education by her lifelong example.
Goal 1: A personal and active faith in God – even during persecution
Philippine joined religious life at the age of 18. Shortly after, the Reign of Terror, a period of the French Revolution marked by political repression, dispersed holy orders across France. Philippine remained steadfast to her Rule of Life and daringly served the religious communities in hiding and those in prison.
Goal 2: A deep respect for intellectual values – our firm foundation
In 1818, Philippine and four other religious journeyed to the Missouri River, the edge of the western frontier, and tenaciously laid the foundations for the Academy of the Sacred Heart and other early Sacred Heart Schools in North America. From St. Charles, Sacred Heart education spread to other continents as well. There are now 25 Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the U.S. and Canada.
Goal 3: A social awareness which impels to action – a lifelong mission
Philippine’s deepest calling was to serve as a missionary to Native Americans, yet not until the age of 72 did her dream become a reality when she was sent to the Potawatomi near Sugar Creek, Kansas. Despite her struggle to learn the native language, Philippine became a highly regarded member of the community, becoming known as Quah-Kah-Kanum-ad, meaning “Woman who prays always.”
Goal 4: The building of community as a Christian value – developing deep relationships
In 1804 Philippine met St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, then the foundress and Superior of the new Society of the Sacred Heart. The two future saints would spend the rest of their lives devoted to the mission of the Society, with a lifelong correspondence encouraging each other in sanctity and perseverance. “We have a double purpose in our efforts: our own perfection and the salvation of souls. We must be saints,” wrote Mother Barat.
Goal 5: Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise-freedom – inspiring the whole child
Philippine’s life was marked by steadfast devotion and resilience in the face of challenges, such as persecution, language barriers, and the struggles of living on the frontier. Despite this, she had a great ability to bloom wherever she was planted. She reflected, “Strength of character is certainly needed to face life in the world and to stand by right principles, especially in the age in which we live.”
Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne’s unwavering faith, commitment to education, and dedication to community continue to inspire us today, reminding us that living out the Five Goals of a Sacred Heart Education is a mission found in the small, everyday actions of a child of the Sacred Heart.
