Rose Philippine Duchesne: A Profile Carved in Hope

copyright 1988 - Elizabeth Sherman, R.S.C.J

Last Saturday, I attended a Day of Reflection hosted at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart. The  theme for the Day of Reflection was Spirituality and the Resilient Woman.  Dr. Nancy Kehoe, R.S.C.J. facilitated a discussion around the topic Women of Prayer. She asked each participant what we hoped to get out of the day and as we went around the room the answers were varied.  At one point we discussed St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and Janet Erskine Stuart, R.S.C.J. (she served as the 6th Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart and this year we honor her by celebrating the centenary of her death).  All three of these women embody a deep sense of tenacity and resiliency.  

Each attendee received a copy of the book Philippine Duchesne, RSCJ A COLLECTION to take home. So today as I perused the book, I came across the following excerpt written by the granddaughter of Indian chief Rondon who was decorated by the governments of the United States and Brazil for his contribution to the Indians of Brazil.  Below is an edited version of what I read.  

"The history of the last century, and the history of centuries before that, will echo far beyond the 21st century.  Part of this history is the story of a woman of great contrasts but with inner unity. Many who knew her are repelled by her austerity.  Others place her among those who cannot be imitated and for this reason try to forget her.  Others allow themselves to be captivated by this woman who was unconquerable in her Hope and who dared to share her ideals with others.  You, who are full of hope as you begin to read these pages, Come with me and let us discover together "the height, the depth, the breadth, and the length" of this life wholly humble, and happy in the Love of God. ...For to understand someone deeply is to strengthen the bonds of friendship.

Let us read the life of Philippine.Let us contemplate this "profile carved in Hope"in order to learn from her union and conformity with the Heart of the great Missionary of the great Incarnated of the Son of God who chose the poor, the marginalized, the oppressed, the exploited, and the little ones of the earth:and who made herself one of them. In a world in crisis she found her place of incarnation...

Let us learn with her to contemplate the Heart of Jesus, a Heart broken but unyielding in Hope." 

by Maria Cecilia Rondon Amarante, RSCJ

The above excerpt is taken from the book Philippe Duchesne, RSCJ A COLLECTION Copyright 1988

To Mother Adeline Boilvin, American RSCJ

Venerable Pauline-Marie Jaricot
Foundress of the Society of the Propagation of the Faith

December 29, 1844 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to Mother Adeline Boilvin, RSCJ,  "I have asked someone in Lyons to send you the collection of the Annals of the Propagation of the Faith. You should procure the English edition and pay the subscription fee.  I have never in all my life read anything more interesting or better calculated to enkindle zeal.  This reading is my delight."

Taken from the book:  Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

More about the Venerable Pauline-Marie Jaricot...

Pauline-Marie Jaricot was born in Lyons, France on July 22, 1799.  She died on January 9, 1862 and was declared venerable on February 25, 1963. It was under the influence of her brother (a student at the Seminary of St. Sulpice) that Pauline-Marie developed a concern for the Asian missions and at the young age of 17 began to lead a life of abnegation and self-sacrifice. It was on Christmas Day, 1816, that she took a vow of perpetual virginity.  At the young age of 18, Pauline-Marie Jaricot composed a treatise on the Infinite Love of the Divine Eucharist.  

In order to repair the sins of neglect and ingratitude committed against the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pauline-Marie Jaricot established a union of prayer among pious servant girls, the members of which were known as the "Réparatrices du Sacré-Coeur de Jésus-Christ".

During an extended visit to her married sister at Saint-Vallier (Drôme), she succeeded in effecting a complete transformation in the licentious lives of the numerous girls employed by her brother-in-law. It was among them and the "Réparatrices" that she first solicited offerings for the foreign missions. Her systematic organization of such collections dates back to 1819 when she asked each of her intimate friends to act as a promoter by finding ten associates willing to contribute one cent each week to the propagation of the Faith. One out of every ten promoters gathered the collections of their fellow-promoters; through a logical extention of this system, all the offerings were ultimately remitted to one central treasurer. The Society for the Propagation of Faith at its official foundation (3 May 1822) adopted this method, and easily triumphed over the opposition which had sought from the very start to thwart the realization of Pauline Jaricot's plans.

In 1826 she founded the Association of the Living Rosary. The fifteen decades of the Rosary were divided among fifteen associates, each of whom had to recite daily only one determined decade. A second object of the new foundation was the spread of good books and articles of piety. An undertaking of Pauline's in the interest of social reform, though begun with prudence, involved her in considerable financial difficulties and ended in failure. She died on January 9, 1862 and was declared venerable on February 25, 1963. Taken from the CatholicCulture.org site                        

To St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

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

December 1, 1822 ~  Mother Duchesne writes to St. Madeleine Sophie Barat ~ "Kneeling in spirit at your feet, dear Reverend Mother, I offer my wishes for you to the Heart of Jesus.  May He bless the year that is ahead of us; may He take care of you, help you bear the burden you carry, and never let me add to it by any fault of mine."

Taken from the book:  Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

To her sister Euphrosine, Madame Jean-Joseph Jouve

Part of a collage of hearts - photo taken at
Villa Duchesne/ Oak Hill School

November 26, 1814 ~ Philippine writes to her sister Euphrosine, "When the desires of one's heart call for separation from a dearly lovcd family, it is not easy to speak of them.  The heart suffers, knowing it must cause suffering to others."

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

Funeral Mass of Mother Duchesne held in the old Church of St. Charles Borromeo

St. Charles Borromeo statue located
at the corner of Jefferson and Second Streets
(photo taken from church history website)

November 20, 1852 ~ The funeral of Mother Duchesne took place on this day. Father Peter Verhaegen offered the Requiem Mass in the old Church of St. Charles Borromeo, which stood where the convent chapel now stands.

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

Father Peter J. Verhaegen

Father Peter J. Verhaegen was born in Belgium and he came to the United States with a group of Jesuit Scholastics in 1823.  They settled near St. Louis at Florissant where they began an Indiana school and a seminary for the training of Scholastics.  In 1829, at the age of 30, Father Verhaegen was appointed President of Saint Louis College.  In 1832 he applied to the Missouri Legislature to have the college declared a University. 

To: Madeleine Sophie Barat

St. Madeleine Sophie Barat
the above painting is located at
 The Sacred Heart School of Montreal

October 30, 1820 ~ Philippine Duchesne writes to Mother Barat, "The loss of many religious in France may make it more difficult for you to send us the help we ask for, but you will make an effort for your poor American mission which tries to stretch out its arms but cannot reach across the ocean to you. As for myself, do with me just as you wish. All other desire except that of God's Holy Will is extinguished in me, and my recent illness has rooted me still deeper in indifference." 

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

Prayer used by Mother Duchesne

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne
as seen at the Villa Duchesne/Oak Hill School

Prayer used by Mother Duchesne:  Jesus, I live for Thee, I labor for Thee, I desire only Thee.  Thou in me and I in Thee; Thou with me and I with Thee; Thou all mine and I all Thine.

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

To St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

 Old St. Ferdinand Shrine ~ photo taken June 2011
by Wendy Ann Buckland, AASH Eastern Regional Director 2011-13

October 23, 1819 ~ Philippine Duchesne writes to Madeleine Sophie Barat,  "Our new house in Florissant will not be ready until December. That month is already dear to me and full of memories, for it brought me back to Sainte Marie in 1801, and there I met you for the first time in 1804. And now it becomes dearer because it will see the opening of the first house owned by the Society in the New World."

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

MER notes: Would you like to become a member of the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine and help preserve the first house owned by the Society of the Sacred Heart?  If so, please click on this link and donate:  an Individual member for $25.00; Family member for $50.00; or Commercial member for $100.00.  

To Mother Adeline Boilvin, American RSCJ

A "double yoke" considered to be a stroke of good fortune!

October 18, 1843 ~  Mother Duchesne writes to Adeline Boilvin, RSCJ, "If humility is always desirable, generous humility is still more so.  God has willed it, so bend your shoulders to the double yoke of Superior and Mistress of Novices."

Taken from the book:  "Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne" and below from www.rscj.org

Builders of the United States Province: Adeline Boilvin, RSCJ

This month we continue the series on “Builders of the U.S. Province” with a sketch of the life of one of Mother Duchesne’s earliest and best-loved pioneer associates, Adeline Boilvin.

Philippine wrote from Florissant in 1820: “We now have twenty boarding pupils, most of them docile.” Among the most docile was Adeline Boilvin. She was born September 24, 1813, in St. Louis of a Creole family engaged in the fur trader; she had some Osage blood in her veins.

Her parents both died while she was at school, and Philippine then gave the little girl special attention. She wrote later: “Obedient and diligent, Adeline obtained all the school honors. She was most attractive in appearance, but her good judgment saved her from vanity, and she was never light-headed. She had a beautiful voice, was gifted for music and learned the piano. She studied Spanish and grasped all the subjects taught in our school. In short, she was ready for anything.”

After her school years, Adeline went home to her grandmother, Madame St Cyr, but returned to Florissant as a postulant at the age of fifteen. When she received the habit she took the name Gonzague, after St. Aloysius Gonzaga. Philippine, then in St. Louis, wrote to her: “You, more than anyone else, can contribute to the fervor of the novitiate.” While still a novice, Sister Gonzague was sent to St. Louis to be formed by Philippine herself. After her vows, Philippine followed the young nun in letters that reveal the affectionate side of Philippine’s nature, as well as her unsparing and inspiring spiritual direction. She guided Gonzague through her probation, the period of preparation for final vows, which she pronounced on September 30, 1838.

Before long Philippine was begging Mother Barat to allow her to retire as superior in favor of Sister Boilvin, for “though quite young she has natural talents for governing a house.” The request was not granted, but when Elisabeth Galitzin came to St. Louis as representative of the superior general, she named Sister Boilvin as one of the foundation stones of the Society’s works in the eastern United States. In the same year that Philippine set out for the mission to the Potawatomi, 1841, Adeline Boilvin went to New York. Here she spent two years teaching music and French in the day school on Houston Street. She came to know Aloysia Hardey, the superior, who wrote to Mother Barat: “I gladly consult Mother Boilvin, for the spirit of God is in her.”

Mother Hardey chose Adeline to be superior and mistress of novices at McSherrystown, Pennsylvania, where things were going badly. The remote school was without resources, and several nuns and children died of tuberculosis within the first year. The new superior brought the sunshine of her optimistic vigor to the overshadowed house. Mother Duchesne continued to write: “If humility is always desirable, generous humility is still more so now.” And later: “Ever since I learned of the successive blows that have tested your resignation to God’s will, I have been occupied with you in prayer.”

McSherrystown was closed in 1846 in favor of a foundation in Philadelphia. Mother Boilvin led the community to Logan Square; the establishment was transferred within the year to the property on the Delaware River that became Eden Hall. She placed her stamp on Eden hall: a warmly welcoming and joyous spirit. Bishop Kenrick came on July 4 to give the students their first congé (a holiday at school, traditional at the Sacred Heart). There were outings from the parish when “piety and pleasure combined to drive silence from our solitude,” wrote the convent annalist.

Pupils were few, however, and debts mounted. Mother Boilvin’s health broke under the strain. In the summer of 1848 Mother Hardey sent her to the bracing air of Canada and left her in the care of Mother Amélie Jouve, Philippine’s niece. It was too late: Adeline Boilvin died on her thirty-fifth birthday, September 24, 1848. The Annals tell of the burial on the Île Jésus of “a child of Florissant and daughter of Mother Duchesne in pioneer days, Julie Adeline Boilvin, one of America’s most distinguished Religious of the Sacred Heart.”

From St. Charles, Philippine wrote in tribute: “For me Mother Gonzague was a support and a consolation, for the Society a valuable and edifying member, for God a docile child and a faithful spouse of the Sacred Heart. It is sweet and consoling to think about her.”

                                                   Adapted from Margaret Williams, RSCJ, RSCJ Newsletter, May 1988

To her cousin Josephine Perier, Baronesse de Savoye-Rollin

As seen at Villa Duchesne / Oak Hill School

October 17, 1837 ~ Philippine writes to her cousin Josephine, "The author of the Imitation says that those who travel to distant lands rarely sanctify themselves; and elsewhere, that change of residence deceives many. I had hoped to do out here in America something for the glory of God and the salvation of His children, and now I find myself with hands as empty - and perhaps not so clean - as when I was in my little room on our Mountain of Love at Sainte Marie."

Taken from the book:  Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

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

Statue of Philippine Duchesne as seen at the
Academy of the Sacred Heart ~ St. Charles

October 1 & 2, 1847 ~  Mother Duchesne writes to her niece, "It was hard to see you leave me forever - for we can not hope to see each other again this side of Heaven.  So we must strive to reach there, you and I, but by such different paths - I doing nothing, and you accomplishing great things for God through the education of youth.  God has given you the necessary talents, and you must use them to produce a hundredfold in His service.  Never forget that the road to Heaven is the Way of the Cross. Jesus has called us to follow Him, bearing the cross as He did. We have no choice about it; we must take it up and carry it if we are to be saved."

Taken from the book Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

To Madeleine Sophie Barat

Madeleine Sophie Barat, R.S.C.J.
1779 - 1865

September 30, 1840 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to Mother Barat, "I thank you most sincerely for having at last lifted the burden I have carried so inefficiently and which would have been such a trial in my last hours.  I desire death and I fear it.  But God, Who is so good, will give me the means of expiating my faults, for I see quite clearly that crosses will follow me, though of quite another kind, if only that of exchanging a very busy life for one of complete inactivity."  

Taken from the book:  Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

To: Father Peter De Smet, S. J.

Fr. De Smet, S.J. 1801-1873

September 29, 1852 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to Father De Smet, S.J., "God must be very good, indeed, to give me an intercessor like you.  Thank you a thousand times for the Masses offered to God for my poor soul.  I beg you to continue to protect it with your prayers.  If God has mercy on me, I shall not fail in the duty of gratitude which I owe you on so many counts."  

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

To St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

September 11, 1827 ~  Philippine writes to Madeleine Sophie Barat; "On the morning of the feast of the Holy Name of Mary, when I was pouring out my heart to her in prayer, I heard in the depths of my soul these consoling words: "My protection will never be laking you." So the Blessed Virgin has let me know I shall always have her protection." 

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

An email sent from Judy Garson, RSCJ on Sept 10, 2011 reads:

Dear friends,

As our country prepares to mark the 10th Anniversary of 9/11/01, Sr. Cecile Meijer asked me to share the attached flyer with you. 

Amidst all the materials that have been coming our way as the date approaches, this one seems unique in helping us think into the future.  Do we not all long for "a culture of peace and a world that works for all?"

May we be close in this spirit.

All the best,

Judy Garson RSCJ

  

To her cousin Josephine Perier, Baronesse de Savoye-Rollin

September 2, 1839 ~  Philippine writes to her cousin Josephine, "How grateful I am that time has never lessened your friendship! On August 29 I began my 71st year, and I calculate that soon you will do the same, as there is but a few months' difference in our ages.  Think of me in your prayers.  You are often in mine, for I am your most loving friend, Philippine." 

Taken from the book:  Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

To her sister Euphrosine, Madame Jean-Joseph Jouve

Portrait of  Taylor by James Lambdin (1848)

September 1, 1849 ~ Philippine writes to her sister Euphrosine, "During the cholera epidemic this year the President of the United States, General Taylor, sent a message to every state in the Union, ordering the First Friday of August to be kept as a day of prayer, with all public work stopped, in order that the people might humble themselves before God and obtain a cessation of the epidemic."

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

By the end of July cholera was rampant throughout the United States. President Zachary Taylor declared August 3, 1849, as nationwide day of "Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer." The following proclamation by New Jersey Governor Daniel Haines was published in the Paterson Intelligencer, August l, 1849.

PROCLAMATIONBy the Governor of New Jersey.
WHEREAS the President of the United States, in consideration of the prevailing pestilence, has set apart FRIDAY, the third day of August next, and recommended that it be observed throughout the United States, as a day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer; and whereas I believe that the people of this State recognize the obligations of a Christian nation publicly to acknowledge their dependence upon Almighty God, and humbly to bow beneath the strokes of his afflictive providence, and fervently to supplicate his mercy; I do therefore hereby cordially respond to the sentiments expressed by the Chief Magistrate of the Union, and unite with him, in recommending to all the citizens of the State, the due and proper observance of the day named; and that abstaining from their worldly pursuits, they assemble themselves in their respective places of public worship, there with humble confession of sin and thankful acknowledgment of past mercies, unitedly and fervently to implore the Almighty Ruler of the Universe, to remove from us the scourge with which we are afflicted and speedily to restore to us the inestimable blessing of health.
Given under my hand at the city of Trenton, the twenty-sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty nine.
DAN’L HAINES

To her cousin Josephine Perier, Baronesse de Savoye-Rollin

August 29, 1819
 Philippine Duchesne
celebrates her 50th birthday!

August 29, 1819 ~ Philippine writes to her cousin Josephine Perier, Baronesse de Savoye-Rollin, "I am fifty years old today, my dearest friend.  That age makes me realize how unfit I am for the venture I have undertaken, but it does not lessen the tender affection that has bound me to you, to Augustin (Perier), and to Camille (Jordan) for so many, many years.  You were my dearest friends in all the world, and though I left the world for the cloister, my love for you has survived a sacrifice that was akin to death." 

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

To St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

Window featuring St. Madeleine Sophie Barat
location unknown to this author

August 28, 1819 ~ Philippine Duchesne writes to Madeleine Sophie Barat, "I am so grateful for your generosity at a time when you are in such severe want.  I share all your anxieties.  Do not give another thought to ours. Suffering brings its own sweetness, for Divine Providence never fails us."

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

If anyone knows the location or has more info on the above window, please leave a comment.  

My thoughts and prayers turn today to all those who live in the path of Hurricane Irene.

To her cousin Josephine Perier, Baronesse de Savoye-Rollin

Josephine Perier, Baronesse de Savoye-Rollin
(1770-1850)

August 26, 1830 ~  Philippine writes to her cousin Josephine, "Let me thank you again for the help you so kindly sent me and also renew the expression of my gratitude to all the members of your family who have helped me in the past. Your friendship has followed me to these distant regions, where one sees few examples of attachment as generous and lasting as yours." 

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

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.