Founded in 1854 by Father Jules Chevalier, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Catholic missionary congregation that had its start in the Diocese of Bourges, in Issoudun, France. Chevalier founded other Catholic congregations and institutes, including the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and lay associate organizations, which are together known as the Chevalier Family of congregations. Jules Chevalier saw the world as changing, and wanted to ensure that the Gospel message was made known to those of the new world. The origins of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart is closely connected with the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as its founder had pledged to honor the Blessed Virgin in a special manner and, in fulfillment of this promise, Chevalier built a shrine dedicated to the honor of Mary under the title of "Our Lady of the Sacred Heart." In 1864, he founded the Archconfraternity of the Sacred Heart, and worked to have it established in every parish. In 1867, the Congregation opened its first school in Chezal-Benoît in the Centre Region of France. At the request of Pope Leo XII, the Congregation sent missionaries to Papua New Guinea, founding its first overseas mission near Rabaul, on the island of New Britain, in 1882. A supply base for the Papua New Guinea mission was established in Sydney Australia in 1885, and the Australian Province was formed in 1905. The Congregation continued growing, establishing provinces in the Netherlands in 1894, the United States in 1939, Spain in 1946, Ireland in 1952, Indonesia in 1971, and the Dominican Republic in 1986. Members of the Congregation take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and are committed to spreading the Gospel of Christ, responding to the needs of the poor, and encouraging lay members to become involved in missions and spirituality.
Recommended Resources
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
Featured in English, French and Spanish, the site represents the international headquarters of the Congregation, offering an introduction to the MSC, its mission, spirituality, and history, as well as identifying the other members of the Chevalier Family of Catholic religious institutes. The cause for beatification of its founder is put forth, and contacts are posted to the site.
http://www.misacor.org/
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Australia
The MSC is an international order of Catholic brothers and priests who work in more than fifty-five countries on six continents. The Australian Province operates or works in Catholic parishes, retreat centers, schools and universities, hospitals, in the media, and as prison chaplains. Its history, ministries, and locations within the Australian province are identified, along with membership information and publications.
https://misacor.org.au/
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Southern Africa
Founded by Jules Chevalier, the MSC congregation began in France in 1854, coming to England and Ireland in 1876. The Irish MSC established the congregation’s first mission in South Africa in 1950. A history of the international congregation and the South African Province are put forth, along with its parishes, missions, and projects. A gallery of photographs, newsletter, and publications are included.
http://www.mscsa.org.za/
The missions of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (Missionarii Sacratissimi Cordis) involves working and ministering in a number of ways, from guiding people through personal struggles in Ireland and the United Kingdom, to building communities in its overseas mission projects, which includes more than fifty countries worldwide. Its vocations, spirituality, and volunteer opportunities are highlighted.
https://www.mscmissions.ie/
The SHF is made up of volunteers who are dedicated to providing educational scholarships for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. Its board of directors, scholarships, fundraising activities, and information about planned giving and other means of support are put forth, along with a schedule of its regular golf tournament, benefit dinner, and other programs. Newsletters are posted to the site.
http://www.sacredheartfoundation.com/
