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In the year 1818, Mother Philippine Duchesne arrived from France to the community of St. Charles which lay next to the Missouri River. She was there to assist with the opening of a school. The school was not successful, so it was decided to travel to the community of St. Ferdinand to set up a school in that area. Mother Duchesne traveled to St. Ferdinand (later known as Florissant) with her community of four Sacred Heart Nuns and here they found success in their pursuit of opening a school. A convent with a chapel was built for them in 1819 and by 1820 a new church which replaced the log church, St. Ferdinand, was built.

Mother Duchesne not only was in St. Ferdinand when St. Ferdinand Church was built, but, she conducted a school in the community and worked tirelessly under harsh conditions to keep the Church strong and active. Her tireless work helped produce a successful Catholic Community in Florissant. Rose Philippine Duchesne was always recognized for her sacrifices, her devotion to the religious life and her work for others. The recognition for her life came when she was canonized on July 3, 1988. With her designation as a saint Old St. Ferdinand Church became St. Ferdinand Shrine.

Each year on her feast day of Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. , St. Ferdinand Shrine, #1 rue St. Francois, celebrates with a Mass said in her honor. Florissant is one very few communities in the United States can boast of having a saint who lived in their community. You will be walking the same path as St. Rose and sitting in the church where she worshipped.

For more information about St. Rose Philippine Duchesne visit the website, www.oldstferdinanadshrine.com. For information about the Mass call

314 837-2110 or email oldstferdinandshrine@gmail.com

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