Founded by Servant of God Mother Clelia Merloni in 1894, the Congregation of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an international Catholic congregation of religious women. After participating in the life of other congregations, Clelia Merloni entered the Congregation of the Daughters of Saint Mary of Divine Province, but desired to create a new congregation dedicated to works of charity, founding the Congregation of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Viareggio, Italy. The new congregation expanded quickly. However, in 1895, her father died, leaving her his estate, but a dishonest financial administrator placed the congregation into bankruptcy, slowing its progress. In 1900s, Bishop Giovanni Batista Scalabrini granted episcopal approbation to the Congregation of the Apostle Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, approving its Rule with a new missionary dimension, and moving the central seat of the congregation to Piacenza. Later that year, six Apostle Missionaries were sent to Brazil. In 1902, six Apostle Missionaries traveled to Boston, Massachusetts to assist the Missionaries of Saint Charles. The movement became a target, and its founder was forced into hiding. The nus gained protection from Bishop Scalabrine, but he died in 1905. In 1911, the Church removed the Congregation's founder from office, replacing her with Marcelline Vigano. Mother Merloni died in 1930. Today, the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus profess to chastity, poverty and obedience, and are active on five continents. The Congregation is divided into five Provinces and two Vice Provinces, and are working in Albania, Argentina, Benin, Brazil, Chile, Ireland, Italy, Mozambique, Paraguay, the Philippines, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United States, and Uruguay. In the United States, the Congregation is headquartered in Hamden, Connecticut, where the Sisters operate Sacred Heart Academy. Apostle Immigrant Services is a non-profit agency providing immigration services.
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Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, US Province
Founded by Venerable Mother Clelia Merloni, the religious Sisters take vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. The US Province is headquartered in Hamden, Connecticut. Its history of service within the United States, locations, leadership, and contacts are posted, along with an overview of its worldwide congregation, vocations and formation process. Contributions may be made through the site.
https://www.ascjus.org/
Established in 1988, the Hamden, Connecticut facility is operated by the Sisters of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and certified by the Connecticut Association of Adult Day Centers as a medical/social facility. The facilities are highlighted, and its daily program is discussed, a staff directory is presented, and an list of other resources that may be useful is included, along with volunteer opportunities.
http://www.cleliancenter.org/
Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network
A ministry of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the prayer network is open to anyone who is committed to praying a daily offering every day. An explanation of how it works is offered, along with a list of sponsors and information for those interested in supporting the ministry. Papal endorsements of the program are highlighted, along with other related ministries, staff contacts, and a blog.
http://www.popesprayerusa.net/
SHA was established in 1946 by Sister M. Antonine Signorelli, of the Missionary Zelatrices of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, now known as the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which continues to be responsible for the management of the Hamden, Connecticut Catholic school. Situated on the 125-acre property of the US Province of the Apostles, the school enrolls students in grades nine through twelve.
https://www.sacredhearthamden.org/
Owned and directed by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Saint Louis, Missouri Catholic school was opened in 1940, teaching two, three, four, and five year-olds. Its location, programs and philosophy, accreditation status, admission and registration policies, school schedules, and announcements. Other resources include a student handbook and policy information.
http://www.sacredheartvilla.org/
