Founded in Madrid, Spain in 1877, the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Roman Catholic religious institute whose focus is on children's education and helping at retreats. The institute's founders were two sisters, Maria Dolores and Raphaela Maria Porras y Ayllon. Born in Pedro Abad, Spain, Rafaela Maria Porras and her sister, Maria Dolores, entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Mary Reparatrix, where Dolores was given the name of Sister Maria del Pilar. When Church authorities and the religious community mission had a disagreement about their future role as teachers in Córdoba, the sisters decided to leave the diocese. Rahpaela, her sister, and some others decided to form a new community in Madrid and, and took their vows in 1877, forming the institute. In 1886, they received formal approval from the Vatican, becoming the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with Raphaela at its head. She resigned as Superior General in 1893 and spent the remainder of her years in prayer and contemplation at the congregation's house in Rome. Rafaela died in Rome in 1925, was beatified by Pope Pius XII in 1952, and canonized in 1977 by Pope Paul VI. She is known as Saint Raphaela Mary of the Sacred Heart. The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart are one of several Catholic religious communities that share a connection to the spirituality of the Sacred Heart, as well as common elements of Ignatian roots, a missionary focus, and devotion to the Eucharist. Often known simply as the Handmaids, the congregation is a participant in UNANIMA International, a NGO that advocates on behalf of women and children, immigrants, and refugees. In recent years, the Handmaids have also become involved in environmental causes. The Handmaids are active in Argentina, Bolivia, Cameroon, Chile, Columbia, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, United States, and Vietnam.
Recommended Resources
Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Atlantic Europe Province
Founded in Spain, the Roman Catholic institute is now active in twenty-three countries. Formed from the old provinces of England/Ireland and Portugal and the houses of France in 2014, the Atlantic Europe Province serves England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Portugal. Its social apostolate, parish ministries, spirituality, education, and other missions are discussed.
http://aciireland.org/
Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, India Province
The international Roman Catholic organization is headquartered in Rome. Coming to India in 1997, the congregation maintains the Dilkhush Convent in Mumbai. Its mission, history, and Ignatian spirituality are highlighted, and its regional team and programs are discussed, along with its locations, membership information, vocations, and contacts. A gallery of photographs is included.
http://aciindia.org.in/
Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, United States Province
Founded by Saint Raphaela Mary Porras in 1877, the international community of Catholic Sisters minister in twenty-four countries around the world, coming to the United States in 1926. A history of the organization and its work in the US is given, including its legacy, Ignatian spirituality, ministries, and lay organization. Membership information, its formation process, and contacts are included.
http://www.acjusa.org/
Situated in New Ulm, Minnesota, the Roman Catholic convent is home to members of the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus, whose charism is Marian, Diocesan, Eucharistic, and Evangelistic. The Sisters of the convent are introduced, and their apostolate is highlighted. Also featured are its retreat facilities, chapel renovation project, and an overview of their vows, work days, and volunteer opportunities.
http://www.handmaidsoftheheartofjesus.com/
Faith In Action Together is a ministry of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Its projects and trip dates are featured, along with a project manual, a printable application, suggested supplies, and a photo gallery. Fiat participants accompany a Handmaid of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to San Salvador, El Salvador, where the sisters and friends have built a residence for volunteers, who will say about ten days.
https://www.projectfiat.org/
