Cokie credits the sisters; author of Founding Mothers grew up with strong women

National Catholic Reporter, Feb 4, 2005 by Jeannette Cooperman

What she really wants to talk about is visiting St. Philippine Duchesne's shrine in St. Charles, Mo. "I had been hearing about that place since I was 5," she said. "To actually be in the place where she was ... "She breaks off, at a loss for once.

What would she say to St. Philippine, if she had the chance? "I'd say to her, 'We need you back. Talk some sense into these people,' "Roberts answered instantly. "And thank you. Thank you for what you left us."

BY JEANNETTE COOPERMAN

St. Louis

[Jeannette Cooperman is an NCR columnist.]