18 November 2013 - Feast of St Philippine Duchesne rscj

Sr. Janet Reberdy's poem "Philippine" is a marvel. In these few well written lines we're reminded of the hard work with scant reward which was Philippine's life.
But was Philippine's reward scant? Some would say yes, some no. It depends upon one's measure.
Yes, the schools, 20 plus in the USA alone are a success... yes, the Potowatomi remember her ministry of constant prayer.... but Philippine is a model not for her apparent success or failure but because her life witnesses Gospel values that transcend earthly measures.
Many of us find a friend in Philippine because when we read of her human weaknesses we see our own.
After Philippine's canonization in Rome, one of the Masses was at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, at which Cardinal O'Connor presided. Cardinal O'Connor mentioned that he understood Philippine because although he had been a Chaplain in the US Navy, he suffered terribly from seasickness, as did Philippine. He remarked how hard it was to work when seasick and what a trial it was to him. O'Connor admired Philippine's work ethic.
Philippine suffered from the cold weather in the mid west of the United States... Philippine had a terrible time with learning foreign languages... these are all things some of us share. Yet, as Cardinal O' Connor said... and we all know....Philippine endured. Janet Reberdy gives us a beautiful image... Philippine kept on believing as she worked for the impossible harvest... as the wheat grew in silence.
Whether in summer or winter there are seeds which grow in silence in your life.
Pamela Snyder Pres. AMASC 2010-14.

 

 

 

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