There are distinctive traditions which Duchesne Academy shares with the other Sacred Heart Schools.

Feast Of Mater Admirabilis

The title means "Mother Most Admirable" and is the name of a representation of Our Lady as a young girl.  The original Mater, a fresco in one of the Sacred Heart convents in Rome, was painted by Pauline Perdreau, a young Religious of the Sacred Heart.  The painting contains several symbols.  The lily represents Mary's purity; the distaff, her work; the open book, her life of prayer and study of Scripture; and her downcast eyes, her humility.  Mater's feast is celebrated on October 20 at Duchesne.

Feast Of Saint Madeleine Sophie

Madeleine Sophie Barat was the foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart.  Born in Joigny, France, in 1779, she founded the Society in 1800 and sent the Religious of the Sacred Heart to establish schools in America in 1818.  She was canonized as a saint in 1925.  Her feast is celebrated on May 25.

Feast Of Saint Philippine Duchesne

Philippine Duchesne was the first Religious of the Sacred Heart to bring the Society to this country.  She stopped in New Orleans in 1818 on her way up the Mississippi River to St. Louis.  From there, Bishop Dubourg sent her to St. Charles, Missouri where she founded the first Sacred Heart School in North America.  Our school is named in her honor.  Her feast is celebrated November 18. Saint Philippine was canonized to sainthood July 3, 1988.

First Fridays

The First Friday of each month is a day of particular devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. These Fridays are special days at Duchesne, usually celebrated with a Mass or prayer service.

Congé

During the year, there is an unannounced in-school holiday.  Planned by the senior class, the congé comes as a surprise and provides an opportunity for faculty and students to learn and to have fun together.

Goûter

Goûter is a French term meaning a "snack."  Goûter is frequently served as a treat on special occasions and feast days.