Rose Philippine Duchesne: Episode Four
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What is the situation in Paris in 1815 and why does Philippine feel torn between administration and mission?
Paris, France, 1815. Thanks to Philippine, the Sainte-Marie Monastery is reopened, a new home for Mother Sophie Barat's Society of the Sacred Heart. Mother Barat keeps Philippine close as her personal secretary. She values Philippine's administrative skills, but delays any plans for missionary work in the New World. Philippine is 46 years old. Time is running out. Will Philippine's missionary dreams die quietly in a Paris office?
The Saints Adventures of Faith and Courage Rose Philippine Duchenne Episode 4 Departure Listen to all the episodes and discover new shows at the saints podcast.com.
My dearest friend and cousin, Josephine. How I miss you here in Paris. The work here, mostly administrative, is far from my deepest desire of becoming a missionary. Every time I suggest that we send sisters to the New World, Mother Bara only says, Patience, Philippine, patience.
How does Mother Sophie Barat describe Philippine’s role and administrative talents at Sainte‑Marie?
But how much longer must I wait? I'm... Sister Philippine! Can you come here, please? Yes, Mother Bara. I'll be right there.
Sorry, I was writing a letter to my cousin.
You are definitely a prolific letter writer, Philippine. I like to stay in touch with people. That's why you make such a great secretary. My administration has never been in such good order. You have a gift for organization. Take a look at this letter. Who's Bishop Louis Debord? The newly appointed bishop of the entire territory of the Louisiana Purchase. He wants to visit us. Why? He's inquiring if any of our sisters would like to go there. To the New World? I know how you feel, Sister Philippine. But I don't think the time is right for us to open a house in whole new territory. But... However, I can't refuse him permission to pay us a visit. That would be rude. Please, write back to Bishop de Boer and tell him he's welcome here anytime he's in Paris.
Of course, Mother.
Maybe I should tell you something that happened to me last week. What's that? It was on Holy Thursday during Eucharistic Adoration. I'm not sure if it was a dream or a vision or— Go ahead, tell me. It was as if I spent the entire night in the New World, carrying the Blessed Sacrament to all parts of the land. It was so real, Mother. I was barefoot, and under my feet I could feel the grass as I walked, and walked through a wilderness of dense forests and open plains and riverbanks, all the while holding the monstrance close to my chest, sometimes shielding it from wind or rain. And as I walked, native people emerged silently from the trees, watching me with quiet awe, not frightened, but reverent.
I felt such peace, deep peace. But I also sensed that I was not only carrying Christ in the sacrament, but bringing him into hearts that had long awaited his presence. Oh, Philippine, how beautiful. But then, when I woke, my heart was burning. Burning with the certainty that this was my calling. To bring the Eucharist, Christ himself, to souls in a new land.
To... I know how much you want to be a missionary. And maybe one day it will happen. One day? Right now, I need you here. With me. Not in a new world. I'm sure there will be an opportunity, but just not now. Please, Philippine, your abilities. And may I say, your friendship are too precious. Yes, mother. Sisters, may I introduce Bishop De Boer, who has traveled to us all the way from Louisiana.
Thank you, sisters. Serving the Lord in the New World is truly an experience I would not trade for anything. I hope many of you in the Society of the Sacred Heart will join me in bringing the good news of God's love to the Indian population. My fellow priests and I cannot do it alone, sisters. We desperately need your help to teach them about Jesus. Will some of you make this sacrifice? Is this the moment for the Society of the Sacred Heart to set out for this new frontier?
Bishop de Boer, we certainly applaud and support your mission. One day, I hope we'll be able to send you the assistance you seek. But for now, with the responsibilities we are carrying and the teaching we are doing, all we can offer you is our prayers. Those you will have, I assure you, most fervently.
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Chapters
3 chapters
1
What is the situation in Paris in 1815 and why does Philippine feel torn between administration and mission?
0:02–1:22
2
How does Mother Sophie Barat describe Philippine’s role and administrative talents at Sainte‑Marie?
1:22–11:14
3
What vision does Philippine experience during Eucharistic Adoration that fuels her missionary calling?
11:14–16:43