Catholic Saints Podcast: Exploring the Life of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
Episode Title: St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
Host/Author: Augustine Institute
Release Date: November 18, 2024
Introduction: New Beginnings at Florissant Campus
In this enlightening episode of Catholic Saints, hosted by Mary McGean and featuring Dr. Arielle Harms, listeners are welcomed to the Augustine Institute’s newly established Florissant campus in Missouri. The hosts express their excitement about the recent transition and the providential timing of discussing St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, who served in Missouri.
Mary McGean:
"We are blessed with a new campus here in Florissant, Missouri, about 25 minutes outside of St. Louis. God's providence has blessed the Institute abundantly as we have a beautiful campus for the students to be living and studying." (00:29)
Biographical Overview of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
Dr. Arielle Harms provides a comprehensive biography of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, shedding light on her early life, education, and religious vocation.
Dr. Arielle Harms:
"She was baptized after Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Philip the Apostle. Philippine is just a feminine version of Philip, and she kept that name throughout her life." (03:29)
Born on August 29, 1769, in Grenoble, France, Duchesne hailed from a nouveau riche family engaged in political and commercial activities. Her father instilled political acumen, while her mother fostered a love for the poor, shaping her future ministry.
At 19, she joined the Visitation Sisters, only to face the upheaval of the French Revolution, which led to the closure of her convent. Undeterred, Duchesne continued her apostolic work, aiding the poor and the persecuted church. Post-revolution, she joined the Society of the Sacred Heart and was eventually sent to the United States.
Missionary Journey to the United States
Responding to Bishop Dubourg’s call for missionaries in the Louisiana Purchase territory, Duchesne and four other nuns embarked on a grueling 70-day sea voyage from France to New Orleans. Their mission was to establish educational institutions, though Duchesne had initially aspired to work directly with Native Americans.
Mary McGean:
"They went to New Orleans and then came up the Mississippi River and landed here, started working immediately." (07:30)
Upon arrival, Duchesne established the first free Catholic school west of the Mississippi in Florissant, Missouri, emphasizing education in a frontier region lacking formal schooling.
Legacy and Impact on Catholic Education
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne is revered as a pioneer of Catholic education in the Midwest, paralleling St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's contributions in the East. Her dedication to founding schools amidst the challenges of the Wild West laid the groundwork for future Catholic educational endeavors in the region.
Dr. Arielle Harms:
"Her founding of schools, not much after St. Elizabeth Seton here in St. Charles, is the foundation of Catholic education in the Midwest." (15:43)
Her work provided stability and education to countless children in Missouri, fostering a lasting Catholic presence in a largely untamed landscape.
A Year with the Potawatomi Tribe
At the age of 72, Duchesne fulfilled her long-held desire to minister directly to the Potawatomi tribe in Sugar Creek, Kansas. Despite language barriers, her unwavering prayer life earned her the affectionate title "the woman who prays always." Her intercessory prayers were pivotal in supporting her sisters who actively engaged in teaching the tribe.
Mary McGean:
"Her prayers were what was supporting her sisters who were actually teaching the Potawatomi." (13:46)
This period underscored her profound faith and adaptability, allowing her spiritual influence to transcend linguistic and cultural obstacles.
Visits to Sacred Sites: Connecting with the Saint’s Legacy
Mary and Dr. Harms recount their pilgrimages to significant sites related to Duchesne’s life, including the old shrine of St. Ferdinand in Florissant and the Potawatomi land in Kansas. These visits offer a tangible connection to the saint, enhancing their appreciation of her enduring legacy.
Mary McGean:
"We could walk where she walked. For us in the United States, that is kind of a different feeling." (12:36)
They highlight the importance of visiting her tomb, noting its miraculous preservation during the canonization process, which reaffirms the doctrine of the communion of saints.
Lessons from St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
Duchesne’s life exemplifies unwavering determination, adaptability, and profound faith. Her ability to pivot from her original missionary intentions to a life dedicated to prayer and support offers valuable lessons for contemporary believers.
Dr. Arielle Harms:
"When she couldn't fulfill her desire to teach directly, she took that desire and used it differently in prayer, sustaining her community's work." (17:50)
Her trust in God’s providence and willingness to accept life’s detours inspire listeners to embrace their paths with grace and resilience.
Notable Quotes from St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
The episode highlights poignant quotes from Duchesne, reflecting her spiritual depth and steadfast trust in divine providence.
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"Let us bear our cross and leave it to God to determine the length and the width." (22:50)
- Emphasizes acceptance of God’s plan over personal control.
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"We may not understand His will for us in time, but in eternity the veil will be drawn and we shall see that He acted only for our happiness." (24:11)
- Encourages faith in God’s ultimate good despite present uncertainties.
Conclusion: Embracing Holiness Through Connection
Mary and Dr. Harms conclude by reflecting on the unique opportunity to live near the remains of a saint and the profound impact this proximity has on their spiritual lives. They invite listeners to draw inspiration from Duchesne’s legacy, encouraging a deeper commitment to faith and holiness.
Mary McGean:
"Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, pray for us." (25:03)
Dr. Arielle Harms:
"Pray for us." (25:03)
This episode of Catholic Saints offers a rich and engaging exploration of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne’s life, her missionary zeal, and her lasting influence on Catholic education in the United States. Through personal anecdotes, historical insights, and spiritual reflections, Mary McGean and Dr. Arielle Harms provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable saint’s legacy.