#OTD in 1835: Mother Duchesne writes to Mother Adeline Boilvin, RSCJ

St. Francis Regis
painted by Sacred Heart alumna and artist
© Beverly Zoellner Groneck

November 6, 1835 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to Mother Adeline Boilvin, RSCJ: "All I desire is retirement, silence, the forgetfulness of creatures, and the grace to remain until death near the shrine of St. Francis Regis (at Florissant)."

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

Editors Note:  In 1834 Philippine was transferred to Florisant again as Superior and lived there until 1842 when she returned to St. Charles, Missouri, to spend the remainder of her life.  To learn more about the special place that Philippine referred to in her letter to Mother Boilvin - click here 

To Mother Eugenie de Gramont, R.S.C.J.

 Artist rendering of the First Brick Convent 1835
by Beverly Zoellner Groneck, SC'69

September 22, 1833 ~  Philippine writes to Mother de Gramont, "The work of overseeing the construction of our new building has kept me so busy, I am spending this night in letter-writing. So please excuse the brevity of all the stupidities of an old nun who is never sleepy when chatting with you, but who is growing very weak.  My fondest regards to all our Mothers and Sisters in Paris."

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

The mural above can be seen as you enter the Academy of the Sacred Heart Archives lower level.  Artist and alumna Beverly Zoellner Groneck, SC '69 was commissioned to draw murals featuring significant historical buildings and quotes as you descend the staircase leading into the archives.

To: St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

 Artist rendering of the First Brick Convent 1835
by Beverly Zoellner Groneck, SC'69

August 19, 1851 ~  Philippine writes to Madeleine Sophie Barat: "I beg you never to close this house of St. Charles.  If you could only see the pretty place we have here, standing beside the church, you would not have the courage to take it from us. I sympathize sincerely with all the crosses you have to carry, but I beg you, take mine away by safeguarding the existence of this, our first dwelling-place in America." 

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne


The mural above can be seen as you enter the Academy of the Sacred Heart Archives lower level.  Artist and alumna Beverly Zoellner Groneck, SC '69 was commissioned to draw murals featuring significant historical buildings and quotes as you descend the staircase leading into the archives.