In 1947, as a sophomore at Lone Mountain, San Francisco College for Women, during our class spiritual retreat directed by a Jesuit, I spoke to him about a vocation as a missionary religious. He suggested the Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ), since they are an international order. Sister Marian Kent, assistant for sophomore students, helped me move forward and get to know what I needed to do. In 1948 I was accepted by Rev. Mother Rosalie Hill, RSCJ, and began to plan when I would leave for the noviceship in Albany, NY. Then I was diagnosed with lupus (lupus erythematosus) and could not enter without being in good health. Sister Marian Kent gave me the flyer with the novena requesting a cure through Blessed Philippine Duchesne. Within a month the lupus symptoms had disappeared. This was a small miracle and a sign for me that I should enter the Society of the Sacred Heart. I entered September 7, 1949. Philippine had already worked other miracles and was canonized in Rome on July 3, 1988. I was allowed to go to Rome for her canonization.
Patricia Shaffer, RSCJ
