Each November, the feasts of St. Philippine Duchesne (November 18) and the Foundation of the Society of the Sacred Heart (November 21) offer opportunities for RSCJ communities around the world to come together in prayer, gratitude and celebration.
India: Celebrating in Community
In Pune, India, the community is preparing to celebrate November 21 with a Eucharistic celebration, to which the newly appointed Bishop of the diocese has been invited. The Mass will be followed by a fellowship meal. The community also hopes to welcome members of the five congregations living on the neighboring campus, making the occasion an opportunity for wider communion and fellowship.
Japan: Celebrating Across Communities and Schools
In Japan, the sisters will mark these feast days in their respective communities, while schools will also organize celebrations to honor Saint Philippine and her legacy.
Korea: Prayer, Eucharist and Fellowship
In Korea, the Feast of St. Philippine Duchesne will be marked with morning Mass in each community, using the liturgy for the feast. The sisters will then gather for a simple celebratory dinner in the evening, and each community will pray the Novena in preparation for the feast.
For the Feast of the Foundation of the Society, Eucharistic celebrations will take place in the Seoul, Paju and Yeokgok areas.
In Seoul, the Foundation Day Mass will be celebrated at 3 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Wonhyoro, presided over by Fr. Jeong-Dae Kim, SJ. This Foundation Day, there will also be a half-day retreat for young people at the Madeleine Sophie Center. Approximately 20 young people attending the retreat are expected to join the Mass, alongside around 20 RSCJ from the Seoul area.
Mexico: Renewing a Shared Identity
In Guadalajara, Mexico, the community of elderly sisters will welcome associates on November 21 for the renewal of their commitment, an occasion known locally as “Shared Identity”. Associates from Guadalajara and other cities will gather at the community to mark this important moment of connection and belonging within the Society.
The New Province of SE-SASIA
Last but not least, the communities in India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam will come together on November 21 to become the new province of SE-SASIA!
As we remember St. Philippine Duchesne and give thanks for the foundation of the Society, we celebrate not only our history but also the living bonds that unite RSCJ, young people and the wider communities with whom we share our mission.
Please check back here at the end of the month for updates and photos of these celebrations.
Section |International News|New Provinces
Province |India|Indonesia|Japan|Korea/Chinese|Mexico|NEANZ|Philippines|SE-SASIA|Vietnam
Our Spirituality |The Sacred Heart Spiritual Tradition
Tags |Filipina Duchesne|fondacion|Fondation de la Société|foundation|founding|Philippine Duchesne|Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne|Santa Rosa Filipina Duchesne
