Written by Mother Duchesne in her office book: "With the Blessed Virgin..."

Grotto at Barat College of the Sacred Heart, Lake Forest, IL
(photo circa 1957)

December 5th ~ Written by Mother Duchesne in her office book...

"With the Blessed Virgin I say with all my heart: Be it done to me according to thy word." 

Taken from the book:  Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

Philippine Duchesne to her sister Amelie, Madame Constans de Maudauit

August 8, 1842 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to her sister Amelie, Madame Constans de Maudauit. "My beloved Sister, suffer all in silence after the example of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  How much poor mother-hearts must suffer! I have all the sentiments of a mother for your children . . . Seek consolation only in the meek and humble Heart of Jesus Christ and you will find it in its enduring form."

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

Quotation from Father Joseph Varin, S.J.

Father Pere Joseph Varin, SJ

July 27, 1820 ~  Quotation from Father Joseph Varin, S.J. "Who is the Master we serve? One Whose Heart is full of goodness and love, Who might command, but Who chooses to request, our service.  He is a Master Whose Heart, says the great Apostle, is filled with all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Taken from the book, "Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne"

Quotation from Father Jean Crasset, S.J.

 Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne
photo taken prior to the Corpus Christi procession in 2011

July 8, 1852 ~   A favorite quotation of Mother Duchesne from Father Jean Crasset, S.J. "I am where God wills me to be, and so I have found rest and security.  His wisdom governs me, His power defends me, His grace sanctifies me, His mercy encompasses me, His joy sustains me and all will go well with me."

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne


Today, I celebrate my birthday and I just happen to be in St. Charles for a meeting.  To be here at the Shrine on this special day is awesome!  Yes, "I am where God wills me to be" today.  With loving gratitude for my mother and all the RSCJ "Mother's" in my life.

Mother Duchesne writes to Mother Barat

Note: Mother Duchesne's niece was Euphrosine Jouve
who entered and took the name
Mother Aloysia Jouve, RSCJ

June 30, 1821 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to Mother Barat, "The more I reflect on the graces I have received, the more they astonish me and make me tremble.  Among them I prize most of all that of belonging to our loved Society, and I brought Aloysia into it, also.  May her merits repair my faults. (The saintly Mother Aloysia Jouve* died at Sainte Marie on January 21, 1821).

* Euphrosine Jouve aka Mother Aloysia

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

To her niece, Mother Aloysia Jouve, R.S.C.J.

June 19, 1816 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to her niece, Mother Aloysia Jouve, R.S.C.J., "Whatever happens, you are sure that the Will of God is being accomplished, and we must bless His Will, whether it consoles us or makes us suffer.  We all have our troubles just now, and the Heart of Jesus lets us experience what our title requires of us: a consecration to the sufferings which pierced that Heart."

Taken from the book:  "Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne"

Journal of Mother Duchesne, 1818-1840

St. John Francis Regis
(1597 - 1640)

September 9, 1818 ~ Mother Duchesne writes in her journal, "We placed in the chapel a picture of St. Francis Regis, before which prayers for the American mission had so often been said. He has been chosen as special patron of the house in accordance with a promise made in Paris with our Mother General's permission, on condition that he obtain this favor for us."

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne 

On this day in the year 1852

Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769-1852)

August 16, 1852 ~ Mother Duchesne received the Last Sacraments because she was very weak, suffering from high fever and the intense summer heat.

Taken from the book:  Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

Prayer used by Mother Duchesne

Mosaic of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne
featured in the
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

Prayer used by Mother Duchesne

O Jesus, divine Spouse of my soul, how can I thank You for the great love you have shown me?  I want to thank You in particular for Your holy Mother Mary. I offer You her immaculate heart, just as I offer Your Sacred Heart to the Eternal Father.  Let me love You through this heart that loved You so much; let me offer You the pure body that served as Your virginal sanctuary. I offer You, O Jesus, Your own beloved Mother in thanksgiving for all the graces You have bestowed on me, I offer her in reparation for my life, for the sanctification of my soul, and to beg of You the grace of final perseverance in Your service and love.
Taken from the book: "Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne"