A Message From The Society of the Sacred Heart - RE: JPIC Survey

Illustration by Noelee Favet, RSCJ

To:       Alumnae, Alumni and members of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools

From:   Diane Roche RSCJ, contact person for the US Province, International JPIC (Justice, Peace & the Integrity of Creation) Spiritual Journey

During the past few months, RSCJ and members of the Sacred Heart Family around the world have been reflecting together on how we live the mission and the spirituality of the Society of the Sacred Heart in light of the challenges in the world today.  This brief survey will provide a way for you to add your thoughts and insights so that we can discover common concerns and commitments as a way of discerning together what our next steps on the journey should be. 

Please take a few minutes to read and reflect quietly (either alone or in small groups)  on the three quotes below (one from Scripture, one from the Constitutions of the Society of the Sacred Heart and one from our most recent Chapter).  Then we are asking you to take about 10-15 minutes to respond to an online survey by following this link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RSCJJPICSurvey

You may include your name and contact information if you wish or you can submit the survey responses anonymously.  The link to this survey will remain active for two weeks, so please try to have your responses back to us by Monday, July 23rd.

It has become very clear to us over the past few years that in order to discern the future of the Society of the Sacred Heart we need to hear all the voices of those who share in the life of the Society.  We thank you for taking the time to give this survey your prayerful attention. We look forward to hearing from you!



Gospel:Luke 7:11-17  Now when he was near the gate of the town there was a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.  And aconsiderable number of the townspeople was with her.  When the Lord saw her he felt sorry for her and said to her, "Don't cry."  Then he went up and touched the bier and the bearers stood still, and he said, "young man, I tell you: get up."

Society of the Sacred Heart Constitutions of 1982: Caught up as we are in the desires of His Heart, we want people to grow in dignity, as human beings and as children of God.  Our starting point is the Gospel with all that it demands from us of love, forgiveness and justice, and of solidarity with those who are poor and rejected by the world.

Society of the Sacred Heart Chapter of 2008: We suffer the pain of our peoples.  With them, and from this depth, we enter into the Open Heart of Christ, the wellspring that satisfies our thirst. From our contemplation of the Pierced Heart of Jesus in the heart of a wounded humanity flows the desire to commit ourselves with greater passion and compassion to justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.

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.

Stars and Stripes... Happy 4th of July!

artwork by students at ASH - St. Charles, MO

Wishing all of our Sacred Heart alumnae and alumni a very safe, relaxing and 

Happy 4th of July holiday!

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

Sacred Heart Third Grader Sums Up Archbishop Lori's new job

Archbishop Lori delivers his first homily as head of the
Archdiocese of Baltimore

Earlier today I recieved an email from a fellow Sacred Heart alumna and it brought a smile to my face. In part the email read, "Archbishop Lori left Bridgeport and is now installed as Archbishop of Baltimore. Joan Magnetti, RSCJ, attended the installation and was most proud when Archbishop Lori at the beginning of his homily with over 2,000 attending, including civil authorities, inter-faith leaders, numerous priests, bishops and cardinals said, "Doesn’t this seem like a good day to reflect on what a bishop does? One answer to that question was given by a third grader at the Convent of the Sacred Heart School in Greenwich, Connecticut on the occasion of one of my visits.

Asked what a bishop does, she enthusiastically put her hand up and said, “He moves diagonally and protects the king!” . . . So now you know! 

The entire Cathedral burst into laughter."

Most Reverend William E. Lori, S.T.D. was installed as Archbishop of Baltimore on May 16, 2012 click here to read the entire homily and see photos.  

The Building of Community... Valoramas

the building of community as a Christian value

When the mission of your company is to give back to the community.  You have a win-win! 
Below is info on a new start up company called Valoramás. During the "Founders2012" promotion the $25 annual membership fee is waived.  You can enjoy savings and know that at the same time you are giving back to the community.  


As the above states, "Schools of the Sacred Heart educate to: the building of community as a Christian value".  Here in Chicago, I met a few of the principal investors and key personnel of Valoramás.  In conversation with the President of Valoramás, I discovered that she had cousins that had attended City House in Missourri during the 1960's.  What a small world!


What I like most about Valoramás is that they are a Latino focused online memberhship club and all members can save, connect and make a difference in the Latino community!  Click here and discover savings with the "Founders2012" promotion. 


The first Valoramás Community Grant Fund Initiative will end this month!

  I encourage you to join Valoramas  now for a waived fee ($25 value).    

• Visit www.valoramas.com/member <http://www.valoramas.com/member>  

• Click 'Join Valoramás now' on the right hand side

• Register and become a member - it's quick and easy!

• Enter code 'founders2012' and the $25 annual membership is waived

• No credit card information is needed!

• Check 'I agree to the Terms and Conditions' and hit 'Enter'

• Once you register, you'll receive a confirmation email with your login and password information

Below info from their website:
Valoramás is a membership-driven community where you can shop, save, connect, and support the Latino community in the United States.

Valoramás members receive exclusive savings from almost 2,000 popular and trusted online retailers, the best cash back bonuses, and many more exclusive member benefits.

Valoramás gives a significant portion of its revenues to its members and to organizations making a difference in the Latino community.

Every single transaction – from the sale of memberships, to member product purchases via the shopping portion of Valoramás, to advertising revenue and much more – generates funds to help expand possibilities for our members and the Latino community. The more people that join and shop through Valoramás, the more we can build, strengthen and empower our communities.

Your purchases will result in grants that support everything from schools, scholarships, and job training to community centers, the arts, and health care. For more information on Valoramás, please see our Frequently Asked Questions, Member Benefits, and our Guiding Principles.

Enjoy the savings and become a member before June 1st!

Memorial Day 2012

Wishing all a peaceful Memorial Day 2012

Today I wish all a peaceful and relaxing holiday as we remember our veterans and all those who have served our great country.


Below is a prayer that was forwarded to me by Paul Parker, Chair of Sacred Heart Spirituality at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart.

PRAYER FOR VISITING A GRAVE

Lord God,

whose days are without end

and whose mercies beyond counting,

keep us mindful

that life is short and the hour of death unknown.

Let your Spirit guide our days on earth

in the ways of holiness and justice,

that we may serve you

in union with the whole Church,

sure in faith, strong in hope, perfected in love.

And when our earthly journey is ended,

lead us rejoicing into your kingdom,

where you live forever and ever.

Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace.

Amen.

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, USCCB Publishing

Maria Shriver Sacred Heart Alumna Gives Commencement Address and Many Reasons to Take Pause

Earlier today while mutlti tasking as usual, I had the television on and was listening to  the Sunday morning news when I heard a familar voice.  My favorite show Meet The Press came on and the guest speaking was none other than one of our very own Sacred Heart alums, Maria Shriver.   I paused long enough to hear her speaking about the recent commencement address she gave at USC's Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism.  Maria's daughter Katherine Schwarzenegger was one of the graduates in the audience.  


After listening to David Gregory interview Maria Shriver, I decided to view and listening to her entire speach.  I am so happy I did as I found her words very profound and moving. Her advise and words are worthy of a repeat here and for the full speech click on the video.  One does not have to be a recent graduate to realize that we all need to stop and pause through out the day.  One of my favorite quotes from her speech, "PAUSE -- and take the time to find out, what’s important to you. Find out what you love, what’s real and true to you -- so it can infuse and inform your work and make it your own."


I also found myself getting a little verklempt as she spoke from the heart and took time to pause and be in awe of the moment in seeing her first born graduate from college.  Maria has every reason to be proud of her daughter.  Katherine Schwarzenegger authored a book in 2010, "Rock What You've Got: Secrets to Loving Your Inner and Outer Beauty from Someone Who's Been There and Back".  I  think that this book sounds like it would make a wonderful graduation gift for a few young ladies that I know.  In Maria Shriver's words: "And finally, remember this: Whenever you're in doubt: PAUSE -- take a moment.  Look at your options -- check your intentions -- have a conversation with your heart and THEN?  Take the high road."

Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat Feast Day Messages

Window of St. Madeleiine Sophie Barat with Child
once located at Barat College now in the Library at
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

Novena of confidence to Jesus' Sacred Heart 

through the intercession of St Madeleine Sophie

(composed 100 years ago by a Religious of the Sacred Heart)

Lord Jesus!
Through the intercession of
Saint Madeleine Sophie

To your Sacred Heart I confide

(this intention)
only look...
Then do what your Heart inspires
I count on it...
I trust in it...
I throw myself on its mercy.
Lord Jesus!

You will not fail me.

Wishing all a very Happy Feast of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat today!  

Pam Snyder - AMASC President 2010-2014

Feast Day Wishes from AMASC President

On this day when we remember our Foundress with special honor, it is a pleasure to share with you one of St. M. Sophie’s most celebrated quotations.  

"Go on advancing, you are on the true road. Remember, it is not you who have taken it but God who has placed you there.  Walk trustfully and may nothing in the world be able to dishearten you."

How is it possible that a woman of early 19th century France wrote with such courage?  In Sophie’s era few women would have had the self confidence or the depth of faith to pen those words.

Often ensnared by the Church politics of her day, it took Sophie many years to learn that she could not please everyone.  But her bitter experiences led her to even deeper prayer and from that relationship with God, she gained the confidence to be strong and bold in expressing her ideas. She knew how the Religious ought to be organized and she knew how the Society would best serve the world. 

We alumnae/i enjoy the fruits of Sophie’s vision. Our heritage includes learning how to acquire the wisdom to know “the true road” for us, as well as how to pray.  May all of us who occasionally falter or lose heart be re- inspired by St. M. Sophie’s words.  

On behalf of the Administrative Officers of AMASC,

Pamela Snyder

President, 2010-14

World Association of Alumnae and Alumni of the Sacred Heart

Woodlands Academy hosts annual Conge

Congé  at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

To students and alumnae of the Sacred Heart, the word “Congé” elicits a smile and shared understanding. Derived from the French word for “play day,” Congé is traditionally an unannounced day of play and fun in the midst of the school year. It is still a part of our Sacred Heart tradition and a day the students anticipate each school year.

In 1972, Woodlands Academy adopted the term Congé for its annual black-tie dinner and fundraiser. The adult community deserved a time of fun and camaraderie, as did the students. Over the years, Congé has become a tradition of community building and celebration that directly benefits students through Live and Silent Auctions and a dinner party. This event has become the school's largest fundraising effort. Attracting more than 200 guests from the Chicago and North Shore area, the event's proceeds are used to directly benefit the student body by enhancing educational programs and funding special projects at the School.

On the last Saturday of April, I was invited to partake in the Congé that Woodlands Academy was hosting at the Glen View Club.  


A highlight of the evening was when Mary Therese Kraft-Williams a 1992 graduate of Woodlands and current member of the WAAA board spoke about her decision to attend Woodlands Academy,  her experiences as a student and finally coming home what it means to be an alumna of the Sacred Heart. "I think back at my time at Woodlands and am amazed at the opportunities and experiences I had, from going on Exchange to Washington DC, to a week long service trip in Appalachia, to multiple leadership roles and of course a couple championship titles. One of which my Dad, aka my coach is very proud of. You'd think he was Coach K.But, what amazes me most as I reflect back on my days at Woodlands, is the environment we were all surrounded by. The various cultures, the tradition, the faculty, the ability to see no boundaries, it is truly unique. And this progressive mentality lives on today, just take a stroll through the science wing or see the flags in the chapel and you cannot help but be proud."  


It was an enjoyable evening and one in which many parents showed their pride by the generous way in which they bid on both the live and silent auction items.


Now the seniors are busy preparing for graduation day on June 7th.   I wish them well!  Perhaps amongst this class will be an alumna like Mary Therese who comes back to speak of her days at Woodlands and what her Sacred Heart education has meant to her.

Prayer Request for Sr. Claude Demoustier, RSCJ

Claude Demoustier, RSCJ

Dear Sacred Heart Family -

Please keep Sr. Claude Demoustier, RSCJ in your prayers as she has been diagnosed by her doctors in France with inoperable cancer.  She is very sick and will be returning to the states end of this week.  Sr. Demoustier, has been serving as the Society of the Sacred Heart's Secretary General in Rome.  In the United States, among her many positions, Sr. Demoustier served as Head of Grand Coteau and Woodlands Academy and also as Director of Students at Villa Duchesne.  

Send correspondence to her at:
Sr. Claude Demoustier, RSCJ
Oakwood Community
140 Valparaiso Avenue
Atherton, CA 94027-4403

As alums we are invited to join in prayer with the Society of the Sacred Heart’s “Novena of Confidence.”

Lord Jesus, through the intercession of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, to Your Sacred Heart, I confide Sr. Demoustier.  Only look.  Then, do what Your Heart desires. Let Your Heart decide. I count on it.  I trust in it.  I throw myself at Its mercy.  Lord Jesus, You will not fail me.

Happy Mother's Day - Celebrating Sacred Heart Alum Mother's and their Daughters

Photos taken at Duchesne Omaha Reunion Weekend  ~ June 2011

Quiet Conversations with Your Daughters (2002)

"Yesterday's Mother-Daughter event began in prayer.  The daughters asked that God continue to bless their mother's...

" ...with joy, love, laughter and pride in their children."

The mother's asked that their daughters be blessed with...

"a love that grows wider and deeper, and a knowledge and perception to recognize what is best." 

This exchange points to the profound responsibilities we adults have to your daugthers.  It falls to us to inspire in them a profound sense of hope that is rooted in the reality of their experiencing genuine relationship.

Given the increasing reliance on electronic modes of communication such as texting and Facebook, we need to model how one engages in mutual respectful love.  Such love is rooted in active listening.  By active, I mean that quality of listening that occurs only if one's mind is silent long enough  to hear what dreams, ideas and hopes the younger persons are expressing.  It is equally true they need to know your hopes, dreams and insights.  In such exchanges your daughters experience the reality of legacy.  Family legacy is essential to young people; as they move forward into the future. Please remember the essential need your daughters have at all ages to experience the values in which your families believe.  Quiet conversations about the different choices you face can help your daughters draw deeply from the legacy of your families.

Such conversations help your daughters recognize the values of their school. Sacred Heart is another legacy from which your daughters draw.  While they have daily opportunities to learn the values of this legacy, we recognize the need to afford you, as parents, moments designed specifically for you to learn and explore the values of the Sacred Heart education.  We know these values first attracted you to Carrollton.  We hope all the parent-daughter events are such opportunities."

Taken from: "THE SACRED HEART EXPERIENCE, A Collection of Messages From the Headmistress (Red Envelope -2001-2011)"  copyright 2011 Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ

Sheridan Road / Hardey Prep Alumni Reunion 2012

Photos taken after the Reunion Liturgy at Sheridan Road 

Oh what a wonderful day I had attending the Alumni Liturgy and Luncheon for Sacred Heart Schools Chicago aka Sheridan Road on Saturday, April 21st!  The highlight for me was meeting Fr. Patrick Dorsey, SJ.  who had four Aunts enter the Society of the Sacred Heart in the 20th century. The "Dorsey Sisters",  Viola, Mabel, Marion and Elvira were well known in the Chicagoland area.  I hope to write more about them in a future blog.   

Nat Wilburn, Head of Schools welcomed all in attendance and had this to say; 

"Welcome back to Sheridan Road…it is my privilege this morning on behalf of 703 students, parents,  faculty, administration, Board of Trustees, and the Religious of the Sacred Heart to welcome you back among our/your community of Sacred Heart.  For many of you, this is the first time you have been back here in our restored chapel.  Students gather here in their divisions every week for a chapel service or mass.   Religion teachers use it throughout the week, and staff, faculty, parents and administrators are nourished often here with a moment of quiet reflection.   Our chapel is, as it was in the original school building, at the center of everything we do.    It is so fitting that we begin our weekend together here.

There are many reasons for us to celebrate in reunion this weekend, but as we gather for this liturgy I would like us to remember one of the core beliefs we hold tight from the teachings of St. Madeleine Sophie.   Each of us believes that children have something to give world.  And it is our mission, just as it was when St. Madeleine Sophie founded the Order to educate each child to give back, to transform the world.   Every one of over 100 faculty and staff understand that one of our primary roles as Sacred Heart educators is to help each and every student know that it is his/her responsibility to make the world a better place.

For 136 years, Sacred Heart School has been working at that mission here in Chicago.  And each of you, like all our graduates for those 136 years, has learned that she/he has something to give the world.  So before all the other celebrations, congratulations, and memories begin, I say thank you.   Thank you for being back among us.  Your presence here is a testimony of your ongoing commitment to the mission of Sacred Heart.    While this weekend will be nourishing for you, it is very nourishing for those of us working here as well.  You are a model of the effect our education has in the world.  And your on-going relationship with us is very, very precious to our continued work.  

I want to especially welcome back our graduates of 1962 who this year celebrate their 50 year reunion.”  

Editor's note:  The Reunion Mass was hosted on Saturday, April 21st - and I apologize for getting the photos on line so late.  MER :)

World Day of Prayer for Vocations... April 29th

For further info click here

Something I did not know until I ventured onto the Society of the Sacred Heart web page is that today marks the 49th annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations.  

Apparently in 1963 Pope Paul VI designated Good Shepherd Sunday as World Day of Prayer for Vocations and ever since, this day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Easter.  Sr. Kathleen Hughes, RSCJ and former Provincial for the U.S. Province wrote  the beautiful prayer below. 

Prayer for Vocations 

God whose power is love and whose heart is infinite,

You have called the Religious of the Sacred Heart

to discover and reveal your love

by living as women of the pierced heart of Christ,

attentive both to your presence

and to the anguish and hope of your people.

Keep us faithful to your longings for us:

contemplative by vocation

desirous of communion

generous in forgiveness

and passionate for justice.

By our witness

attract other women to this same spirit and mission.

Join to our number those who

are great-hearted and ready to reveal your face.

Give us companions who, despite the ambiguities of this age,

will lean on the love of their sisters as they root their lives in you.

Invite to the Society of the Sacred Heart

those who are generous and joy-filled like Madeleine Sophie,

those who are courageous and daring like Philippine,

and renew us all in these habits of heart.

We ask this in confidence and hope through Christ,

risen and reigning with you and the Spirit,

now and forever.  Amen

- Kathleen Hughes, RSCJ

Biking & Hiking Retreats Organized by RSCJ

For more info click here - vocation.rscj.org

This afternoon I had the opportunity to speak to Sr. Diane Roche, RSCJ about the upcoming Spirituality Retreats that she and Sr. Mary Pat White, RSCJ have planned for this spring and summer. Below is further info.  If you should be a participant at any of these upcoming retreats, please be sure to take photos and send them along with commentary on your experience to the AASH National Office and if you have participated before, please write a comment below.  

Wishing all a blessed Easter season!  

Spirituality in Nature: Four Retreats Planned for 2012

Prayer for Discernment

Loving God, holder of my days, I know that I am destined for a great mission in life.
There is some special work in the world which will remain undone unless I do it.
There is some place in life which will remain unfilled unless I fill it.
Help me to discern what my gifts are and give me the generosity to use them to benefit others.
Guide me in your ways that I may know with confidence that the gifts you have given me, if used well, will bring new life and blessing into the world.
Then I will fulfill the great dreams you have for me.
Empower me with the assurance that I am your beloved daughter, that I am truly anointed by you Spirit to act with Justice and compassion.
Show me how to live out my mission to be, truly, your Love, your Heart, in a suffering world.

          Amen.

(Based on words of Mother Janet Erskine Stuart, former Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart)

To her cousin Josephine Perier, Baronesse de Savoye-Rollin

The convent at Florissant - for more info

April 15, 1837 ~  Mother Duchesne writes to her cousin, Josephine Perier, Baronesse de Savoye-Rollin, "It seems to me I have outlived myself, and I see the time coming when I shall be good for almost nothing. The children here at Florissant all speak English now; very few know French, and I cannot even teach religion to the little children in the parish school, for although I can read English, it is quite another thing to understand it when it is spoken or to speak it myself."

Taken from the book:  Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

St. Madeleine Sophie writes to Philippine Duchesne, "the Cross is the greatest of all treasures..."

Taken at the Shrine in St. Charles, MO

April 7 - 8, 1805 ~ St. Madeleine Sophie Barat writes to Philippine Duchesne, "You realize now that the Cross is the greatest of all treasures.  A large portion of it is in store for you, but be courageous and ready to accept it willingly, without, however, asking for it. You will have crosses that come from yourself, but there will be others far more painful to bear.  Only let your soul be steeped in love for Jesus, then no cross will be too heavy to carry."

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

"Mickie" Ryan  (my mom and a treasure!) taken on Easter Sunday 1959

I received an email from a fellow alumna asking me,  "I have not received a blog notice from you… have you stopped posting????"  I responded with a short message stating, "The last blog I wrote was from Palos Hospital the day of my Mom’s surgery (3/15).  She fell and broke her hip and is now in rehab at..." Well, after two weeks in a rehab "Mickie" (my mom) developed a MRSA/VISA infection in her hip wound and was taken back to the hospital for treatment.  She is getting along but her road to recovery is a long one.  


St. Madeleine Sophie's words above are very meaningful at this juncture in my life, as well as my mother's - "Only let your soul be steeped in love for Jesus, then no cross will be too heavy to carry." 


I wish all a joyous and blessed Easter season!