Rose Philippine Duchesne, Religious

Philippine, as she was called by her family, was born into an aristocratic family in France. The marriage of her mother, Rose Périer, to her father, Pierre-François Duchesne, had united the two most prosperous textile manufacturing families of the town. The family traits of strong will and determination were passed on to Philippine, along with a passion for reading and study.  When Philippine was not yet ten years old, a Jesuit missionary enkindled a desire in Philippine to be a missionary to the Indians in the “new world.” She entered the convent when she was old enough, and eventually arrived in New Orleans. From there they went up the Mississippi River to Missouri where she founded several schools. Her faith and prayerfulness were an example for all.

Philippine contributed much energy to organizing schools and convents in the diocese of New Orleans. But perhaps her greatest contributions came from her lifelong dedication to prayer. Much has been accomplished through prayer, and God certainly answered the prayers of this saint.