Year of Prayer - September 17
Darkness into Light
Dark and light, not knowing where to go, what to do, chaos or creation – what was it that Rose Philippine Duchesne had to face in her life?
Year of Prayer
This Year of Prayer celebrates the missionary journey of Philippine Duchesne and her four companions from France to the New World, thus beginning the internationality of the Society of the Sacred Heart, now in 41 countries.
Sister Barbara Dawson, our Superior General, and her Council have invited the whole family of the Sacred Heart to enter the Year of Prayer, to be and to act as one Body, and to create space and silence to listen to the heartbeat of God. What a wonderful way to celebrate Philippine Duchesne, known affectionately as “the woman who prays always.”
Every Monday from November 20, 2017, to November 19, 2018, the worldwide family of the Sacred Heart will be united together in prayer and reflection. Thanks to regional editors, Françoise Greffe, RSCJ (France), Kim King, RSCJ (Canada), Elizabeth Nakayiza, RSCJ (Uganda), and Park Jeong Mi, RSCJ (Korea), the collection of reflections represents nearly all the countries where we are located. The subjects of these reflections are as varied as the background of the writers: friendship, suffering, loss, courage, boundaries, perseverance, hope. The styles include prose, poetry and prayer, and each reflection is accompanied by an image.
Philippine kept a journal, a spiritual practice which helped her become ever more attentive to the inner stirrings of her heart. A pdf journal is provided here for those who wish – either to download or to complete online. The use of social media is also encouraged throughout the world so that insights might be shared among us across our geographic frontiers.
You are welcome to encourage others to join us in prayer. Please explore the bicentennial website for news of coming events and for numerous resources: a short Philippine biography, images, music, lesson plans, pilgrimage options, etc., to enrich your celebration of the Bicentennial Year.
Thank you for helping to make the Year of Prayer a time of grace for all of us.
Year of Prayer - September 10
With Dirt Under Her Fingernails
Philippine’s attempts to reopen Sainte Marie d’en Haut must have demanded skills that were not normally in the repertoire of wealthy young women. Had she been observant of trades people or did she simply problem-solve when taking on practical tasks? When Sophie asked her to prepare the house on the Rue des Postes, we hear that she not only scrubbed and cleaned but replaced window panes and assisted in applying the mortar when the builders were too slow.
Year of Prayer - September 3
We Can Make a Difference
Year of Prayer - August 27
Prayer to St. Philippine from Soboba Indian Reservation
O holy woman, who prays always, we honor you You are like Eagle, soaring high to Creator Your prayer is like sweet-smelling smoke of sage and cedar Your presence with us is acorn meal, feeding our spirits and drawing us to Grandfather
O holy woman, who prays always, we thank you You brought your Society to us long years ago Your sisters are with us even now, in your name Your love and prayer help us walk the Red Road
Year of Prayer - August 20
The "Rebecca Moment" in the Philippines
Ever since Philippine Duchesne and her companions set sail for the New World on a ship named Rebecca, we have come to speak about "Rebecca moments" as times of choice, sometimes in perilous situations or when facing similar uncertainty about the future as Philippine faced when she boarded the Rebecca in 1818.
Year of Prayer - August 13
Philippine’s Return to Ste Marie d’En-Haut
In 1801, in the midst of a glacial winter’s cold, some Grenoble youngsters hanging around the streets were called by Philippine for a rather extraordinary task: to help her refurbish her dear Monastery of the Visitation, badly damaged by the French Revolution.
We see them carrying heavy packages.
We picture them cheerful and noisy ...
Year of Prayer - August 6
PhilippineGrain of Wheat Fallen into the Earth ...
Philippine had only opened up the furrow, and with what difficulties, sown the seed ... But one day the Sacred Heart would return and harvest it ... . Her role was to open up the way through the brambles. She is God’s pioneer (Msgr. Baunard).
Year of Prayer - July 30
A Prayer to Philippine Full of courage in the face of suffering and misunderstandings, obtain moral strength for us.Humble, zealous, and unpossessive in friendship, teach us to love with the Heart of Jesus Christ.Tireless in the struggle for the Reign of Christ, communicate your eagerness to us.Living lesson on prayer, help us to live our spirituality of incarnation and paschal mystery.Inspirer of missionary love towards the poorest, obtain for us zeal for the Kingdom.Patient in awaiting the Lord’s time, teach us hope.Persevering in the engagement of causes for the indigen
Year of Prayer - July 23
Philippine, woman of yesterday ... woman for today
When I think of Rose Philippine Duchesne as a person – with her courage and commitment, her need to go to the peripheries and her contemplative being – I am connected immediately to where we are today. She speaks as a woman of yesterday but with a deep, clear, solid perception which the world of today so needs.
Philippine could go step-by-step in fidelity to the Lord, a woman of profound hope in tumultuous and difficult times. She had hope, trust and fidelity for an unfolding future.
Year of Prayer - July 16
Philippine Duchesne in Ormoc