Discover & Make Known the Love of God
Learn about key women in the story of the Society of the Sacred Heart.
St Madeleine Sophie Barat founded the Society of the Sacred Heart in France in 1800. Following her family’s custom, we call her Sophie. Sophie dreamed of restoring religious values to post revolutionary France. She wanted young people to know the love of the Heart of Jesus and to make reparation for the sacrileges committed during the Revolution. She saw Christian education as a way of renewing the social order. Years later, she recounted her original vision in this way: “My original idea of our little Society of the Sacred Heart was to gather young girls together and establish a little community which night and day would adore the Heart of
St Rose Philippine Duchesne established the first house of the Society of the Sacred Heart outside of France, and she is the second saint of the Society. Philippine, as she was known, had joined the Visitation order before the Revolution of 1791. In 1801, she tried to re-establish the convent at St Marie d’en Haut which had been dispersed by the Revolution. When she came into contact with the Society of the Sacred Heart through Fr Joseph Varin, she readily joined the fledgling foundation. From their first meeting, Philippine and St Madeleine Sophie Barat were firm friends. Philippine had a strong desire to go as a missionary to share the love of
Janet Erskine Stuart was the Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart from 1911 to 1914. She was the first Superior General to travel extensively, visiting the Society in many parts of the world. She is remembered as an outstanding educator and spiritual guide. Janet Erskine Stuart was born in 1857 at the Cottesmore Anglican Rectory in Rutland, England. Her father was an Anglican minister, and her conversion to Catholicism at the age of 21 was difficult for him. In 1881 she entered the Society and spent almost her whole life as an RSCJ as a member of the Roehampton community. Janet is credited with raising the standard of
Reflection quotes from former leaders of the Society of the Sacred Heart and other wisdom figures.
We remember all who died so tragically in the Christchurch Earthquake eight years ago, on February 22nd. We all remember exactly where we were and what we doing when this terrible news reached the nation. Blessings of peace and comfort to all who lost loved ones during this natural disaster.
Let’s embrace 2019 as the year of the SMILE. Where do I store my smiles? Are they in safe keeping and readily accessible? Let’s see if we can make a difference to someone’s life each day! A simple smile is a cost effective means to building a healthy, compassionate and more stable world.
Praying together to end Human Trafficking, 11th January – 8th February God of hope and peace, touch our hearts and energise our ongoing efforts in abolishing this heinous crime against humanity so that every victim is freed and every survivor’s life renewed. You blessed St Josephine Bakhita of Sudan with compassion for others. May her prayers comfort and strengthen the women, men and children who are in search of freedom. We ask for transformation of heart for those who inflict pain, anguish and grief on our vulnerable sisters and brothers. Give us generosity to stand in solidarity with others so that together we heal the hearts and lives of all
Highlights from our blog.
We remember all who died so tragically in the Christchurch Earthquake eight years ago, on February 22nd. We all remember exactly where we were and what we doing when this terrible news reached the nation. Blessings of peace and comfort to all who lost loved ones during this natural disaster.
Praying together to end Human Trafficking, 11th January – 8th February God of hope and peace, touch our hearts and energise our ongoing efforts in abolishing this heinous crime against humanity so that every victim is freed and every survivor’s life renewed. You blessed St Josephine Bakhita of Sudan with compassion for others. May her prayers comfort and strengthen the women, men and children who are in search of freedom. We ask for transformation of heart for those who inflict pain, anguish and grief on our vulnerable sisters and brothers. Give us generosity to stand in solidarity with others so that together we heal the hearts and lives of all
Happy New Year – 2019 Loving God, unseen Companion of our life, give us faith and eager expectancy as we begin this fresh stage of our journey. Take from us all fear of the unknown and teach us to wrest treasures from darknessand difficulties. As the days come and go, may we find that each one is laden with happyopportunities and enriching experience: and when this year reaches its completion,may our best hopes be more than ever fulfilled.Amen – Janet Erskine Stuart. RSCJ
The Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart in Australia and New Zealand wish you a very Blessed and Peace-filled Christmas Season.