Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne was born on August 29, 1769, in Grenoble, France, into a respected and influential family. Her father, Pierre François Duchesne, was a lawyer, businessman, and an important civic figure, while her mother, Rose Perier, came from a prominent Dauphiné family.

From the age of eight, Rose felt a strong calling to serve as a missionary in the Americas, inspired by a Jesuit missionary’s stories. She was taught at home by private tutors and received her religious instruction from her mother.

At age twelve, she began studying at the convent of the Visitation Sisters in Grenoble. In 1788, at nineteen, she secretly entered the convent without her family’s approval. Though her family reacted strongly at first, they eventually accepted her decision.

In 1804, Rose entered the Society of the Sacred Heart. Fourteen years later, in 1818, she traveled to the United States. From the convent and school she established in St. Charles, Missouri later moved to Florissant she served across the region, opening schools for girls, engaging in charitable work, and eventually ministering to Native American communities.

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne became known for her courage, missionary spirit, and deep compassion. She spent the final decade of her life in a small room at the convent in St. Charles, living simply and dedicating herself to constant prayer. She died there on November 18, 1852.

She was beatified on May 12, 1940, by Pope Pius XII and canonized on July 3, 1988, by Pope John Paul II. She is lovingly remembered as “The Lady of Mercy” and “The Woman Who Prays Always.”

Patronage: She is the patron saint of the Diocese of Springfield–Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and is invoked especially in situations involving opposition from church authorities.