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Saint Philippine Duchesne was born on August 29, 1769 in Grenoble, France. Her family was a wealthy, politically influential family. She was the daughter of Pierre Francois Duchesne, a successful lawyer and a leader of the French Revolution. He was very political, and active in his religion. Rose Perier, an intelligent, practical, Christian woman was his wife and the mother of 8 children, Philippine being the second born. When Philippine was twelve, she was sent to boarding school at Ste. Marie d'en Haut. Here she was educated by the Visitation nuns and drawn to their life of contemplation. This is where she began to show interest in religious life. She had finally found out her love for the religious life, but her father opposed her wish to enter the Visitation order. At 17, she was promised to a man from her father, but she refused to marry him. To oppose this future she began to live like a nun inside her house. She refused to wear her beautiful clothing, thought out the most unpleasant of the household chores to do, and followed a routine of daily prayer. Philippine finally had her way and upon visiting the convent, she refused to leave and was allowed to stay. She entered the novitiate at age 19, but her parents did not attend the ceremony. Pride was a great factor life at that time.

^ The place where she was born ^ The picture of the place where Philippine was baptised.

^ The City of Grenoble ^ Neighborhood by her home

Her country home The Duchesne family was very large. Her family consisted of her mother Rose Perier, and her father Pierre Francois Duchesne. She also had 8 brothers and sisters. Their names were Marie-Adelaide, Rose Philippine, Marie-Amilie, Charlotte-Euphrosine, Agathe-Justine, Adelaide, Hippolyte and Augustine-Melanie. Marie-Adelaide lived from 1767-1778. She was born a weak child and had a short life. The second daughter was born. She was called Philippine and an apostolic preacher gave her the name Rose Philippine. Right after Philippine came, the Perier family rejoiced in the birth of a new baby girl named Elizabeth-Josephine. The two girls grew up together acting like sisters. Amelie Duchesne and Marine Perier were born in the same year, but Marine died. Euphrosine Duchesne was born in 1772, and in 1773 the Perier's were excited with their new son Augustine. Three more baby boys were added to the family that year. The huge family rejoiced at their lovely family. Even though the family was very rich, and large, the family never spoiled their kids. The children were trained with obedience, and self-control. They were also trained with courtesy, and consideration for others. Even though the children were also stubborn, and independent, the parents had the ordinary job of taking care of their children.

The Duchesnes also lived in Grenoble for a long time. They owned a company selling goods to France, and other colonies. The family was also wealthy, and had confidence, and faith, in their religion. Antoine Duchesne, Philippine's grandfather, married Marie-Louise Enfantin in 1737. They had four daughters, and two sons. The ones who lived were Marie-Louise, Francoise, Marie, Pierre-Francois, Claire-Julie, and two unknown children. Pierre-Francois inherited his fathers business. He was Philippine's father, and continued the Duchesne's name with seven children including Philippine, and that was how Philippine's family evolved over two generations. To the right is a picture of Philippine's parents.

Philippine was a wonderful woman who accomplished so many things in her life. Since she was little, she devoted her life to God and helped everyone in need. Despite what her parents wanted her to be, she knew what she wanted, and it was to follow her dream of a life dedicated to God. To the left is a picture of her tomb.

Potowatomi