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

On this day in 1841, Mother Duchesne ...

June 29, 1841 ~ Mother Duchesne left St. Louis for the Potawatomi mission of St. Mary at Sugar Creek, with Mothers Mathevon, O'Connor, and Sister Amyot.  On June 29, 1842, she returned to St. Louis with Father Varhaegan, S.J., then went to St. Charles for the last decade of her life.

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"

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart of Jesus Window
by Emil Frei Studio circa 1924

For Friday, June 15th

Happy Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Lord Jesus, Who through Thy tender love for the Church, Thy spouse, hast been pleased to open to her the riches and sweetness of Thy Divine Heart, grant that our hearts may be enriched with the treasures therin contained, and replenished with its overflowing delights.  

Taken from Special Devotions Compiled for the Children of the Sacred Heart

To St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

artwork by Bridget Bearss, rscj

June 13, 1818 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, "The heart suffers from sacrifices whose value is known only to faith and love. But even in distress love cries out bravely: 'My God, gladly have I offered You all things.'" 

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

Written by Mother Duchesne in her office book

Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue
as seen on the campus of
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

June 9, 1825 ~ Mother Duchesne writes in her office book, "Remember, O most loving Jesus, that it is unheard of through all ages that anyone ever had recourse to Thy Sacred Heart and implored Its help without obtaining relief.  Confiding, therefore, in Thy infinite goodness, I cast myself before Thee, O Heart, King of all hearts, and humbly supplicate Thee to hear my prayers, to receive my soul as Thy spouse, and to take upon Thyself the care of my salvation."

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

118th Annual Commencement Exercises for Jospehinum Academy

Congratulations to the 2012 Graduates of Josephinum Academy!

I enjoyed attending the 118th Annual Commencement Exercises for the 2012 Graduates of Josephinum Academy on Saturday, June 2nd and tried to capture some of the hightlights of the ceremony. Below is a video of Stephanie Castro, 2012 Class Valedictorian.

On behalf of the Associated Alumnae/i of the Sacred Heart, I welcome all 2012 graduates as you now become the newest members of AASH.   Please know that we wish you much success this fall as you enter college and I encourage you to stay connected!

To Mother Adeline Boilvin, American RSCJ

June 1, 1837 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to Mother Adeline Boilvin, "To satisfy fully the love and longing of the adorable Heart of Jesus, the heart you desire to give Him must be prepared for this divine union by marks of resemblance to His Heart.  What special resemblance? He Himself has told us: 'Learn meekness and humility from Me'."

Taken from the book: Through the Years with Philippine Duchesne