Shrine of St Rose Philippine Duchesne

OVERVIEW

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne arrived in America with a heart set on teaching Native American children.  She founded the first school west of the Mississippi in St. Charles, MO, and after decades of perseverance, finally realized her dream of serving the Potawatomi people in Sugar Creek, KS.  Today, a shrine in nearby Mound City honors her time with the Potawatomi, making it a meaningful starting point for a pilgrimage to her tomb in St. Charles.

This 335-mile route echoes the spirit of ancient Christian pilgrimages, where the journey itself is as transformative as the destination.  Like the Camino de Santiago in Spain, pilgrims on this route walk daily with only the essentials on their backs, staying in simple accommodations offered by churches and community halls.  The act of walking—mile after mile, town after town—connects pilgrims not only with St. Philippine’s legacy but with the land, history, and people along the way.

What to Expect

• Daily walking distance: ~13 miles per day (longest day: 19 miles in high-water seasons)

• Terrain: Mixed, including the Katy Trail (a former rail line offering a peaceful, well-spaced route)

• Accommodations: Primarily churches and community halls (roll-out bedding), some hotels/B&Bs available

• Meals: Often prepared in parish kitchens with the help of hosts; on nights without stores/restaurants, food is arranged in advance

• Navigation: Pilgrims will be given the GPS destination each day and are responsible for knowing the day’s route; cell service is available but spotty in places

• Pace: Independent walking—no guided clusters, just pilgrims moving at their own rhythm toward a shared destination

Why This Pilgrimage?

This route was first tested in 2017 by three pilgrims who sought to celebrate the life and mission of St. Philippine. Since then, it has remained a beloved path for those looking to experience pilgrimage in the heart of America. It offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with history, geography, and faith while walking through landscapes largely untouched by tourism.

Like any true pilgrimage, this is not a tour with catered comforts. It requires commitment, a willingness to sacrifice convenience, and an openness to transformation. In return, it offers an experience unlike any other—one that challenges the body, deepens the soul, and builds trust among strangers.

Everyone is encouraged to make this pilgrimage, the information needed to do so, independently or with a small group is below.  Additionally, the religious community of  St. Rose Philippine Duchesne celebrated the bicentennial of her arrival in this country in 2018. We have been organizing Pilgrimages routinely since then.  Our next Pilgrimage is happening in Autumn 2025.  More information about this is provided below. 

If you would like to know more about this pilgrimage or enthusiastically sign up for the next trip, start a conversation:

📧 societyofservantpilgrims@gmail.com

ORGANIZED PILGRIMAGE AUTUMN 2025 INFORMATION

Individuals or small groups who would like to participate in a pilgrimage organized and accompanied by experienced pilgrims are invited to register for our next pilgrimage in Autumn 2025.  The approximately 26 day pilgrimage begins at the shrine church in Mound City and ends at the shrine tomb of St Rose Philippine Duchesne.  Our Pilgrim Coordinator is Catherine,  you can reach her at pilgrimcatherined@gmail.com

Experienced pilgrims with the Society of Servant Pilgrims will participate in the pilgrimage and make arrangements with parishes and communities along the way to ensure that basic accommodation and meals are available every night.  Any pilgrims who would prefer commercial accommodations where available must make their own reservations in those instances.  Pilgrims will be briefed on the options for the day’s route.  The route is generally quite flat, and once the Katy Trail is met in Clinton, has a superb walking surface.

The group will assemble in Mound City, and pilgrims can join from the beginning or at any point along the way.  An easy alternative starting point to join the pilgrim group is Sedalia, which is convenient because of the Amtrak access.  Similarly, pilgrims can join the group in Jefferson City, which has another Amtrak station. 

The number of pilgrims is not fixed but shouldn’t overwhelm the host facilities.  Beginning at Mound City, a combined group no larger than maybe 12 or 15 would be an appropriate size.  Anticipating that additional pilgrims will be gathering the group toward St Charles, arriving with a group of 20 to 30 would be manageable.

Pilgrims are responsible for themselves in every respect and in acquiring their own equipment.   The Society of Servant Pilgrims will share camaraderie and encouragement and communicate with the parish and community hosts on behalf of the group rather than have each pilgrim contact them individually.   Pilgrims can join or leave the pilgrimage at any point along the route. In some instances, there may be opportunities to attend religious services.  There is no pressure for any pilgrim to participate.

In situations with no restaurants where pilgrims can eat dinner and breakfast individually, arrangements might be available for parishes to provide meals, or pilgrims would be expected to contribute to a communal meal.  In general, lunches are prepared in advance and eaten on the trail.  There are many days without midday opportunities to purchase food.

Information about each day’s destination and route will be posted soon.