The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary was founded in 1800 in France in the aftermath of the French Revolution. It was a time of great disorder and fear. One of God’s responses to the cries of the people of that time was to call together a community of men and women who committed themselves to contemplating, living and proclaiming God’s compassionate love for all and especially for the most poor and the marginalised.
On 10th May, 1873, a young Belgium Missionary priest belonging to the Congregation, having heard the cry of men, woman and children who had been banished to the Island of Molokai due to an outbreak of leprosy (Hansen’s Disease), volunteered to go to the Island. His name was Damien De Veuster. He was 33 years of age. From that time until his death in 1889, aged 49, he placed himself at the service of his ‘beloved lepers’.
Today’s world is no different. The cries of the poor can still be heard in many places throughout the world. There is a great need for men and women to be messengers of God’s compassionate love. Is God calling you?
You, too, can make a difference as a sister, brother or priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, working at home or abroad spreading God’s love.
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“What appealed to me about the order was their family spirit and how they lived in small communities. They weren’t limited to just one or two ministries and enabled me to use my gifts where we felt they would be most beneficial.” (Anthony)
“When I first started wondering if God was calling me to the Religious Life, it was only natural I would consider joining a Congregation that I had experience of. I will never forget their kindness and compassion to us after a family bereavement. You never forget such kindness, and it had a big part to play in my own vocation.” (Patricia)
“In this age of ‘superheroes,’ I have to admit I was really taken with the story and sacrifice of Fr. Damien. As I progressed in formation, I came to see and be inspired by what lay behind Damien’s ministry and love for his people: the Eucharist, Adoration, the Gospels and his close relationship with the Lord, and seeing Christ in others.” (Kieran)
“When I was discerning how I would respond to God’s invitation something touched my heart as I read the writings of our two Founders, Fr Coudrin and Mother Henriette. Their faith and trust in God’s providence was remarkable, given the violence and hatred unleashed by the French Revolution and the turmoil they were living through: ‘You must get used to approaching God who is so close to you. All for God, all in God, all to God: here is the only true Comforter. Abandon yourself totally to Him and there only will you find the peace, the strength to suffer and the joy that follows.’” (Marie)
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