To: St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

 Blessed Rose Philippine Duchesne
Co-foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart
in the United States arrived in the village of
St. Ferdinand de Fleurissant
December 21, 1819

July 19, 1824 ~  On this day Philippine writes to Madeleine Sophie Barat, "Here at Florissant we are at least no longer afraid of starving to death, and that is something. If God takes from us the means of doing good, we must accept His Will. Do not worry about us, for not one of us is discouraged."  
Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne


Margaret Munch, RSCJ  was interviewed by St. Louis television, KMOV - Channel 4 last month prior to our AASH board meeting.  The Old St. Ferdinand Shrine is a very special place indeed!  I encourage those interested to learn more and visit this very historic place.  If you wish to help in the preservation of the  Old St. Ferdinand Shrine click here.

To: St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

The above icon was commissioned by Sacred Heart Schools Chicago
and the original hangs in their newly refurbished Chapel.
by Artist and Iconographer Patricia Reid, RSCJ

July 18, 1823 ~  On this day Philippine writes to Madeleine Sophie Barat, "We have had the honor of being severely criticized, and in order to undermine our work still further it is now reported that we are leaving here.  There are people who wish we would do so.  We must devote ourselves more and more to the poor and to our own perfection" 

Take from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

BRAD THOR, NYT best selling author...

Brad Thor, HP'83 

BRAD THOR, Sacred Heart alum of Hardey Prep and New York Times best selling author will  release his 10th novel, "Full Black" on July 26th!  Congratulations Brad!  

Those interested in meeting BRAD THOR and British-born author ANDREW GRANT can join them for a presentation followed by a book signing on Friday August, 12th from 7 pm - 8:30 pm at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, IL   Books will be available at the event. This event is open to the public however, you must register!  Registration includes a raffle entry! The Raffle Drawing to include copies of Brad Thor's entire backlist (11 books) signed!!  Courtesy of Atria Books/Simon & Schuster.  Must be present to win!

Click here for further information and registration details.

Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

July 16, 1820 ~  Today the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  If Mary glories in being our Mother and in protecting all mankind, think what special and loving care she extends to those who honor her by wearing her holy scapular. 

The above quotation is from Father Joseph Varin, S. J. and taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

Prayer to the Blessed Mother of Mount Carmel

     

    Oh most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. 

      Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to secure me in this necessity (make request): there are none that can withstand your power. 

     Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (say three times). Amen."

Taken from: A Collection of My Favorite Catholic Prayers by G. P. Geoghegan

St. Madeleine Sophie to Mother Duchesne:

St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

July 15, 1807 ~ St. Madeleine Sophie to Mother Duchesne: "I must lay down this condition with regard to permission for nightly adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: if after some months of this secret prayer with your divine Spouse you do not become more humble, more obedient, more patient, I shall withdraw the privilege.  But oh, my dear Philippine, that will never happen, will it?"

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

Bishop Rosati to Mother Duchesne (from Paris):

Bishop Joseph Rosati

July 14, 1840 ~ Bishop Rosati to Mother Duchesne (from Paris):

"Now I hear you are pleading to leave Missouri in order to go to the savages.  Well, when one loves God one never says, "Enough."  If I did not know you well, I might say this effort is too difficult for you, but knowing you as I do, I say "Go!" And God will be with you."

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

Remembering Betty Ford

A wonderful short video about Betty Ford!  May she rest in peace!

Betty Ford and an RSCJ connection

Mary Schumacher, RSCJ, LPC and Betty Ford

Earlier today, I spoke to Mary Schumacher, RSCJ, LPC  better known as Sr. "Shoe".  We first met at the AASH Conference in Los Angeles in 2007.  Sr. "Shoe" a graduate of Sheridan Road and Maryville was in Miami for the 2011 AASH Conference in April and returned to Chicago this past May for the Hardey Prep 75th Anniversary celebration.  At our first meeting in 2007, I learned that "Shoe" lived in Palm Desert, CA and worked as a Counselor at the Betty Ford Center. She is currently conducting recovery and spiritual direction retreats on weekends. Sr. "Shoe" had many connections to Betty Ford (same birthday and same type of heart surgery) and told me how meaningful it was for her to attend the wake this afternoon. Below is a poem written by Emily Dickinson that was printed on a memorial card and given out to all the mourners who attended the wake at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church today. So appropriate for such a gracious, courageous and inspiring First Lady!

Emily Dickinson (1830–86)

IF I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again, 

I shall not live in vain.

Cokie Roberts remembers Former First Lady Betty Ford

Betty Ford
1918-2011

Cokie Roberts (Sacred Heart alumna of Stone Ridge) will give the eulogy for Former First Lady Betty Ford today at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Springs, California.  

In an interview with ABC news yesterday, Cokie describes the impact Mrs. Ford had and her legacy with regard to breast cancer awareness, the Equal Rights Amendment and substance abuse treatment.  It was in the Fall of 1982 that the Betty Ford Center opened and tens of thousands have credited Mrs. Ford for helping them.  The center provides treatment for alcoholism and drug dependencies. 

Mrs. Ford will be laid to rest on Thursday in Grand Rapids, MI on the anniversary of her husband's 98th birthday. 

Photos of 2011 AASH Conference hosted in Miami, FL

2011 AASH Conference 
Miami, Florida
April 7-10, 2011

Photos from the 2011 AASH Conference hosted in Miami, Florida are still available for viewing and purchasing - (click here).

Ada L. Stevens of SnapHappy Photos will keep these photos on line until September 1st.

Prayer used by Mother Duchesne

Dom Claude Martin, La Vie de la venerable Mere Marie de l'Incarnation,
premiere superieure des Ursulines de la Nouvelle France.

Prayer of Mother Marie of the Incarnation, Ursuline ~

O my God, I thank you for having chosen the most blessed Virgin Mary as Your Mother, bestowing on her all the graces befitting that high dignity, and for having given her to us also as our Mother.  I worship the sacred moment of Your Incarnation, O Jesus, and every moment of the life you led for us here on earth.  I give You heartfelt thanks, O Jesus, for the example of Your divine virtues, for the merit of Your labors, for the outpouring of Your Precious Blood.  I desire neither life nor movement apart from Your divine life.  Then purify my sullied and defective life by the purity and perfection of Your own divine life and by the holy life of Your immaculate Mother. Amen

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

News on Barat Academy - Missouri

Barat Academy
1 Academy Place
Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368

Barat Academy located in Dardenne Prairie, MO is a provisional member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools.  The school opened in 2007 and this year 68 students graduated in June.  Due to an ongoing financial dispute the future of the school continuing to operate at its present location is in question.  Students, alums and parents are planning a prayer vigil on Wednesday, July 13th and rally on Thursday, July 21st.

To read more click here - http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/266394/3/Barat-Academy-students-plan-rally-prayer-vigil

Please keep this new provisional member of the Network in your prayers!

To: St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

July 9, 1818 ~ Philippine writes to St. Madeleine Sophie, "I saw the wisdom of the inducements held out to keep us here in New Orleans, but I answered consistently that it is God's Will for us to go on to St. Louis. In this matter we know the Will of God.  I am so glad to have come to America, I shall willingly make any sacrifice in order to advance our work.  I think I am ready for anything, even to face again the terrors of the sea."  Taken from: "Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne"

Future alums finish their Service Project in Chicago

Sacred Heart students in Chicago for their Summer Service Project
pose for a group photo in the Driehaus Center on Sheridan Road 

Last Friday on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ invited me to join her and fellow Religious of the Sacred Heart, along with students representing eight Network schools for mass at Sheridan Road.  The students were concluding their week long Level II Summer Service Project. The ten young ladies (pictured above) represent the following Sacred Heart Schools: Bloomfield Hills, Duchesne Omaha, Forest Ridge, Newton, Stuart-Princeton, and Woodlands. 

Under the guidance of two faculty members from Sheridan Road and one faculty member from 91st Street these young ladies spent a week in Chicago learning about the Juvenile Justice system.  The Level II service project takes a critical look at the Juvenile Justice system in the United States (and Cook County in particular) and proposes changes that should be taken to ensure a better outcome for those affected.  In addition, the students return to their schools with practical steps that they (and their peers) can take to better the situation.  

It was a wonderful experience for me to witness the RSCJ renew their vows and meet these bright and energetic young ladies. They all sang so beautifully!  After mass we all enjoyed a buffet super in the Driehaus Center.  

To her sister Euphrosine, Madame Jean-Joseph Jouve

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

July 7, 1852 ~ Philippine Duchesne writes to her sister Euphrosine, "At our age we should like to enjoy peace, tranquility, and the sweetness of friendship, yet we must bear our burden of years along with the suffering that comes from misfortune, whether in public affairs or in our personal lives.  Old age has many sacrifices to make, and these can be of great value as one's purgatory - a less rigorous one than might come to us in the next life."

As my own birthday is approaching I was drawn to what Philippine wrote to her sister on this day. The above quote was taken from: "Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne".

To whom much is given, much will be required...

Marianna Bolognesi Florian
(1919 - 2011)
Barat College alumna ~ Class 1940

Today I attended the Mass of Resurrection for Barat College alumna Marianna Bolognesi Florian.  Marianna was a 1940 graduate of Barat College in Lake Forest, IL.  She was a true child of the Sacred Heart and lived a full life as wife, mother, and friend to many. From an early age her mother, Rose Garibaldi Bolognesi (1908 alumna of the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, IL)  taught Marianna and her sister Catrina the importance of giving back and boy did she!  A classmate friend of Marianna's sat next to me and before mass commented that until she read her obit on Sunday was not fully aware of the shear number of charitable organizations that Marianna was involved in and then she paused and stated that in their college years Marianna was always ready to pitch in and do whatever task needed to be done.  No job was beneath her!   So, as I sat in Saints Faith, Hope and Charity Church this morning and listened intently as her son read the Second Reading, a particular sentence struck a Sacred Heart chord in me.  Second Reading (Philippians 4:8-10),  "Farewell; I wish you all joy in the Lord.  I shall say it again; all joy be yours.  Let your generosity be clear to all.  Then God's own peace, which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and mind, in Christ Jesus.  And now my family, all that is lovable and gracious, whatever is excellent and admirable - fill all your thoughts with these things.  The lessons I taught you, the traditions I have passed on, all that you heard me say or saw me do, put into practice; and the God of love will be with you."

Knowing that Marianna's mother Rose Garibaldi Bolognesi had been buried from the very same church in 1988, I smiled and thought of the current Sacred Heart Goals being taught in our schools today.  Yes, to whom much is given, much will be required!   

Thank you Marianna for a life well lived and full of service to others! May you rest in peace.

To: St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

Space under the stairs where Philippine Duchesne slept ~ Florissant, MO
Today, many visitors leave their special intentions here.

July 5, 1836 ~  Philippine writes to Mother Barat, "If only I could be completely hidden in a corner, so as not to be tempted to worry about things that are really not my business!"   

The above quote was taken from:  Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, canonized July 3, 1988, lived in the convent from 1819 to 1846 in Florissant, MO.  During this time she established a boarding school for wealthy families from St. Louis, a free local school and Indian girls school.  

In Philippine's words to St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

July 4, 1825 ~ Philippine writes to St. Madeleine Sophie, "Today we are celebrating the feast of independence  in this country, rejoicing among all classes and religions, for the Catholics do not forget that this day gave them freedom of worship. As for me, I shall anticipate July 22 and celebrate in my heart now and always the treasured and inspiring dependence which binds me to you.  Yes, I shall bless God for it to my dying day, and we shall be united in spirit to you on your feast day."  Taken from:  Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

Independence Day 2011

Sacred Heart Schools Chicago

Wishing all a very safe and happy 4th of July holiday!

Twenty-Three years ago today...

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

It was on this day in 1988 that Pope John Paul II canonized Mother Philippine Duchesne as Saint Philippine, the fourth American saint.  Let us take a look back at her life.  Below is a brief chronology of Blessed Philippine’s life as written in the booklet: “Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne”



1769 born August 29 in Grenoble, France; parents: Pierre-Francois Duchesne
and Rose Euphrosine Perier

1780 went with her cousin Josephine Perier to boarding school at Sainte-Marie- d’em-haut,          Visitation; received First Communion and Confirmation there.

1782 returned home; studied under tutor four years

1788 entered the Visitation Monastery of Sainte Marie and remained there four years and a half.

1792 was obliged by the French Revolution to return home; spent nine years either with her family or doing works of charity in Grenoble; lost her mother in 1797.

1801 secured possession of the Old Monastery of Sainte Marie, which had been converted into a prison; failed to rehabilitate the monastery under Visitation rule.

1804 welcomed Mother Madeleine Sophie Barat to Sainte Marie.

1805 made her first vows in the Society of the Sacred Heart and remained at Sainte Marie ten years.

1815 opened the first Convent of the Sacred Heart in Paris, with St. Madeleine Sophie as Superior.

1818 sailed for America; landed in New Orleans on May 29; reached St. Louis on August 21; opened the first Convent of the Sacred Heart in America at St.Charles, MO., on September 7.

1819 transferred community and school to Florissant, Missouri

1823 welcomed the Jesuits to Florissant.

1827 founded the Convent of the Sacred Heart, St. Louis

1829 visited the convents founded by Mother Aude in Grand Coteau and St. Michael’s, Louisiana.

1834 was transferred to Florissant again as Superior.

1840 welcomed Mother Galitzin as Visitatrix and was relieved of office as Superior; went to live at City House.

1841 was one of the foundresses of the mission for Pottawatomie girls at Sugar Creek, Indian Territory.

1842 returned to St. Charles, Missouri, where she spent the last ten years of her life.

1852 died on November 18 and was buried in the convent cemetery.

1940 beatified on May 12 by His Holiness, Pope Pius XII.

1988 canonized by Pope John Paul II on July 3 and became the fourth American Saint

St. Philippine’s Second Home ~ Florissant, Missouri

Last Saturday morning after a bit of reflection, prayer and a brief history of the Round House, the AASH Board traveled with Sr. Margaret Munch, RSCJ to Florissant, Missouri.  The commute is less than thirty minutes from the Shrine in St. Charles. It is here in Florissant that St. Philippine made her second home in America and spent nearly fifteen years of her life.  This is the first permanent convent-school building in which Philippine lived. It was here that she laid the cornerstone, which read, “My Heart will abide here.”  It was here that she slept in the space under the convent stairs, adjacent to the chapel, where she spent many hours in prayer.

I would highly recommend that anyone interesting in learning more about Philippine's early years come and visit the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine and become a friend of the shrine.


Click here for a news clip featuring Sr. Munch talking about Old St. Ferdinand Shrine on Local News 4.

The Round House ~ St. Charles, Missouri

It was just a week ago that the AASH 2011-2013 Board met in St. Charles, Missouri.   By Friday morning all of the board members had arrived and we had a very full agenda and day. After a good night’s rest we scheduled time on Saturday to tour our surroundings.  Saturday morning our day started with breakfast and then we gathered for a brief reflection and prayer inside the Round House with Sr. Margaret Munch, RSCJ.  I read an entry dated June 25, 1821 from a book entitled, 

“Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne” 

1957 Conference of the AASH

St. Charles, City House, Maryville, Villa Duchesne

Saint Louis, Missouri

The following is what has been printed for July 2, 1838 - Philippine Duchesne wrote to St. Madeleine Sophie: “I am ready for whatever you may decide.  I long for retirement and rest, but I should not want inactivity that would expose me to the danger of napping all the time.  Although I am about to begin my seventieth year, I give the morning call; make the last visit at night, care for the garden, pantry, linen room, and watch by the sick.  I cannot teach English, so the material employments fall to me.”

First Friday Mass

This evening I attended 5 pm mass at Sacred Heart Schools Chicago (Sheridan Road) with the Chicago RSCJ and Associates, as well as, ten young students from Network schools all over the US.  The students were participating in a Network Summer Service Project.  Fr. Brian Paulson, S.J. said mass and as is the custom on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, all the RSCJ present renewed their vows. After mass we walked to the Driehaus Center. The project Co-Leaders, Jane Steinfels and Christy Crandall  had organized a delicious buffet supper for all of us.  A lovely evening indeed!  

RSCJ renew their vows pictured from L-R: Rosie Dowd, RSCJ, Mary Hagele, RSCJ, Martha Curry, RSCJ, 

Peggy McDonnell, RSCJ, Pat Murphy, RSCJ, Nancy Finn, RSCJ, Pam Hickey, RSCJ, Donna Collins, RSCJ 

and Sally Rude, RSCJ

O Canada … and thinking of AMASC 2014 Congress in Montreal

This morning the news is focused on the arrival of Prince William and his new bride Kate Middleton in Canada as they begin their tour of North America.  There are a few very special Sacred Heart alums that I have met and known over the years from Canada.  To these Sacred Heart alums, I wish you a very special day today as you celebrate Canada Day!  I also am reminded to check the AMASC site to read Pam Snyder, AMASC World President 2010-2014 message on this special feast day.

Happy Feast of the Sacred Heart

On behalf of the AASH 2011-2013 Board, I send you greetings for a Happy Feast of the Sacred Heart today!  Below is a beautiful prayer found in a small book entitled  Special Devotions Compiled for the Children of the Sacred Heart.  

Prayer to the Sacred Heart

By St. Madeleine Sophie

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I come to Thee because Thou art my only refuge, my only but certain hope.  Thou art the comfort for all my sufferings, the remedy for all my miseries, the reparation for all my losses, the expiation for all my faults, the supplement for all that is wanting to me, the certainty for all my demands, the infallible source, for me and for all, of light, strength, benediction, constancy and peace.  I am sure that Thou wilt not weary of me, that Thou wilt not cease to love me, to aid and protect me, because Thou lovest me with an infinite love.  Have mercy on me, then, according to Thy great mercy, and do with me, and in me, whatsoever Thou wilt.  I abandon myself to Thee, with full confidence that Thou wilt never abandon me.  Amen

The photo of the Sacred Heart statute was taken in April 2011.  The statue originally greeted students at the front entrance of the Barat College campus and after being bronzed has been relocated to Woodlands Academy.