By Sandy Ahlheim After weeks of being closed due to COVID-19 this spring and summer, the Shrine of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne located in St. Charles, Missouri, has been open for limited visits by appointment only. Since reopening mid-summer, there has been a steady number of people inquiring to visit. The majority of these pilgrims are new friends of Philippine and many said they “felt called” to visit, to learn about her story, and to spend time praying in the Shrine.    

Welcome to the new Shrine of Saint Philippine Duchesne website. This site was rolled out along with new websites for the Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ.org), Associates and Vocations. Toggle between these sites using the links in the upper left corner. We invite you to explore our updated site, which includes information about the shrine and Saint Philippine’s life. Check out our online gift shop, featuring books, holy cards, medals and more. Consider joining our Legacy Roster by making a donation to support the shrine.

As part of the five-year plan undertaken by the Academy of the Sacred Heart Alumni Association and supported by a partnering foundation, in anticipation of the Bicentennial in 2018, the administration (and the Shrine director) identified the need to accommodate pilgrims who arrive at a time when no volunteer docent is on duty. Two displays, both visual and audio, have now been mounted on the two walls adjacent to the west door of the Shrine. The information contained serves as a self-conducted tour.

The pilgrims completed their 330+ mile walking journey from Mound City to St. Charles, Missouri, when they arrived at the Shrine of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne on November 18. The pilgrims toured the shrine, prayed at Saint Philippine’s sarcophagus and attended Mass with the students at the Academy of the Sacred Heart.

Forty-five students, faculty and staff who represent six of the seven Sacred Heart schools in France arrived in St. Louis on September 12, 2018, in order to participate in the Sacred Heart Global Service Day and explore where Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne lived and worked. The group spent several days immersed in the life of Philippine with a two-day trip to visit Sugar Creek, Kansas, and Mound City, Kansas, a trip to Philippine's Shrine in St. Charles, and a day trip to Old St. Ferdinand Shrine in Florissant, Missouri.