Feast of Saint Philippine Duchesne
2026-11-17
Rose Philippine Duchesne was born in Grenoble, France, in 1769. After preparing for her first communion at the Visitation convent, she joined the cloistered order despite her missionary calling, but the French Revolution closed it, leading her to serve Grenoble’s destitute for a decade. In 1804, she met Madeleine Sophie Barat, forming an instant soul friendship; Philippine joined the Society of the Sacred Heart and sailed to the New World in 1818 with four companions. There, she founded the first Catholic schools west of the Mississippi and grew the Society in the U.S., though frontier hardships delayed her dream of living among Native Americans until 23 years later with the Potawatomi. Despite physical and psychological tolls—and her self-doubt as a leader—she died in 1852 feeling a failure, yet history honors her: Native Americans called her “the woman who prays always,” her schools seeded a global network, and the Society thrives internationally. Canonized in 1988, she exemplifies enduring mission.

Founding of the Society of the Sacred Heart
2026-11-21
The Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ) was founded by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat in Paris, France, on November 21, 1800, when she and three companions made their first vows, establishing the “Ladies of Christian Instruction” with a mission to reveal God’s love through education, especially after the French Revolution. This international Catholic community of women religious grew from this humble beginning, eventually becoming the Society of the Sacred Heart, spreading globally and focusing on education for spiritual growth.
The Society continues today as an international body of women religious, known as Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ), dedicated to their founding mission of education and revealing God’s love.

Advent Prayer Guides
2026-11-29 - 2026-12-24
For each Sunday of Advent, the JPIC Learning Hub will share prayer guides to accompany you on our journey toward Christmas.

Christmas
2026-12-25
