On August 29, 1769, St. Rose was born in Grenoble, France, into a wealthy and influential family. Her father, Pierre Francois Duchesne, was a lawyer, businessman, and civic leader in Grenoble, and her mother, Rose Perier, belonged to a famous family in the Dauphine region. Hearing a Jesuit missionary talk about his work in the Americas inspired St. Rose to pursue evangelization in the Americas at the tender age of eight. She received religious instruction from her mother and a basic education from tutors at home.

Rose was educated at the Visitation nuns' Grenoble convent from the age of twelve. She joined them in 1788 at the age of nineteen without her family's knowledge or consent. They fiercely protested her decision at first, but ultimately conceded.

She became a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1804, and in 1818, they transferred her to America. From her convent and school in St. Charles, Missouri, which she eventually relocated to Florissant, Missouri, she travelled far, establishing schools for girls, engaging in charity endeavors, and ultimately serving Native Americans.

St. Rose Duchesne was a famous benefactress and a brave missionary. She lived quietly and in unceasing prayer in a little shack at the convent at Saint Charles, Missouri, where she spent her final ten years of retirement. On November 18, 1852, she passed away in Saint Charles, Missouri.

Pope Pius XII beatified her on May 12, 1940, and Pope John Paul II canonized her on July 3, 1988. Frequently, she is called "The Lady of Mercy" or "The Woman Who Prays Always."

Other Saints of the Day
St. Odo
St. Nazarius
St. Leonard Kimura
St. Hesychius of Antioch
St. Thomas of Antioch