Rose was born in Grenoble, France in 1769, into a family that was among the new rich. At 19 she entered the Visitation of Mary convent; during the French Revolution the order expelled from France. She began caring for the poor and sick, opened a school for homeless children, and risked her life helping priests in the underground.

After the war, she entered the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, soon becoming superior and supervisor of the novitiate and a school.

Hearing stories of missionary work in Louisiana, her dream was to go to America and work among the Native Americans. At 49, Rose was sent to the United States where she founded a boarding school for daughters of pioneers near St. Louis and opened the first free school for girls west of the Mississippi.

When she was 72, a school for the Potawatomi was opened in Kansas. The Jesuit head of the mission insisted: "She must come; she may not be able to do much work, but she will assure success to the mission by praying for us.”

Her health did prevent her from taking an active role; but her long hours of prayer impelled the Native Americans to name her "Woman-Who-Prays-Always.”

We might look to St. Rose Philippine Duchesne as the patron saint of those embarking on second careers (as is true for many catechetical leaders and catechists today). Perhaps even more important is her witness as a woman-who-prayed-always.

Reflections to Hold, Pray, and Live

• What atmosphere might be set if – at the beginning of each session – we and our learners prayed that the time together would be enveloped in prayer, grateful to be gathered with and in God’s love?

• What types of prayer forms help you to live prayerfully all the time? What types of new prayer forms might you share with your learners?

Author:

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP
Member, NCCL Board of Directors

Her book, SAINTS & MENTORS for Catechists: 41 Models of Faith to Support and Guide You, can be purchased from Twenty-Third Publications
[GET YOUR COPY HERE]

Learn more about Janet and her publications at https://www.janetschaeffler.com/