St. Rose Philippine

Biography of St. Rose Philippine

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, also known as Rose of Saint Mary, was a French Religious Sister and Missionary who founded the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Catholic Religious Institute that established schools and missions in the American Midwest. She is considered a pioneering figure in Catholic education in the United States and was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1988.

St. Rose was born in Grenoble, France in 1769. From a young age, she felt called to religious life and, after being refused entry to several religious orders because of her age, she was finally accepted into the Society of the Sacred Heart. She made her profession of vows in 1805 and then spent several years as a teacher in a number of Sacred Heart schools in France.

In 1818, St. Rose was sent to the United States as a missionary, arriving in New Orleans and then moving on to St. Charles, Missouri, where she established the first Catholic school west of the Mississippi River. She then established schools and missions in Kansas City, and throughout the American Midwest, teaching both children and adults.

St. Rose was known for her strong faith and her dedication to her mission. Despite the many difficulties she faced in the early days of her mission, including a lack of resources and a hostile environment, she never lost hope. She is remembered for her pioneering spirit, her deep love of God and her dedication to the education and spiritual formation of her students.

In 1841, at the age of 72, she left the missions and returned to St. Charles, Missouri to help found the first American convent of the Religious of the Sacred Heart. She lived there for the rest of her days, dedicating herself to prayer, penance and works of charity.

She died on November 18, 1852, and her body was entombed in the chapel of the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles, Missouri. Her tomb became a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people, drawn to her example of holiness and devotion.

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1988 and she is considered a patron saint of the American Midwest and of Catholic education. Her legacy continues to be celebrated through the many Sacred Heart schools and institutions that continue to operate throughout the world today.

In modern times, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne is an inspiration to many Catholics, particularly in the United States, for her pioneering work in establishing Catholic education in the American Midwest, and for her example of faith, dedication, and love for God.

Prayers to St. Rose Philippine

Dear St. Rose Philippine, as we remember and honor your life of service and devotion, we ask for your intercession in our own lives. You were known for your great love for the poor and for your strong commitment to the education of young people. Help us to imitate your example, by showing compassion and generosity to those in need and by working to improve the lives of the less fortunate. We ask for your guidance and protection as we strive to be a light in the world, and we pray that we may one day share in the glory of heaven with you. Amen.

---

O St. Rose Philippine, you were a woman of deep faith and dedication, who spent your life in service to God and to others. We ask for your intercession as we strive to live a life that reflects your own. Grant us the grace to be selfless and compassionate, like you, and to be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others. Help us to imitate your dedication to the education of young people and to the service of the poor. Through your powerful intercession, may we one day be united with you in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

Popular St. Rose Philippine Medal and St. Rose Philippine Rosary

Saints Similar to St. Rose Philippine

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Rosalia and the Biography of St. Rose of Lima. These saints were all known for their devotion to God and their missionary work. Next up: Biography of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

 

Also check out our handmade St. Rose Philippine Medal and St. Rose Philippine Rosary and St. Rose Philippine Rosary Bracelet .