Today, we share with you a prayer card put together in 2017 by members of our Regis community to celebrate the Feast of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne. As we add new members to our community each year, we are dedicated to sharing the history of Sacred Heart education. 

The Feast of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne is celebrated each year on November 18 and commemorates the courage and prayerful determination of this Saint who is directly responsible for Sacred Heart education in North America. In 2018, we celebrated the bicentennial anniversary of Philippine bravely carrying the mission of Sacred Heart across the Atlantic Ocean, up the Mississippi River and into the heart of America. 

Imagine what it would have been like...

...to dream for years of bringing the love of Jesus Christ to the New World only to be told “no” or “not yet” over and over.

...to leave the comforts of city life in France to sail across the Atlantic Ocean in a small sailing boat, never knowing if you would see home or your friends and family again.

...to sail up the Mississippi River to the frontier town of St. Charles, Missouri to start a new school in a land where you don’t speak or understand the language.

Philippine is a shining example of steadfast belief and unwavering determination to carry out the mission God has called you to do. Philippine crossed borders of languages, oceans and cultures to fulfill her dream.

Whispers from Heaven
A Prayer for St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
By Cathy Lowry Knapik
Associate, Alumna and Educator, Duchesne Academy, Houston

A kindred soul, my shining light
Forever praying throughout the night.
Inspiring all to the divine power and everlasting love of the heart of Jesus
Each day, each hour, each second, ALWAYS!
May we continue to live by your example of determination and faith in
His divine power to heal our world,
One child, one prayer, one step at a time.

St. Rose Philippine, hear our prayer. AMEN.

As we celebrate Philippine’s Feast Day, ask yourself in what ways can you show courage like Philippines? What do you hear God calling you to do?