The Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (sometimes shortened to the Society of the Sacred Heart, is a worldwide Roman Catholic religious congregation of women that was founded in France by Saint Madeline Sophie Barat in 1800. Although they are referred to as the Religious of the Sacred Heart, they are a separate institute from the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, another teaching order of sisters. Madeline Sophie Barat created the Society just after the French Revolution, in order to provide educational opportunities for girls. The manner of life for members of the Society was to be simple, but without the mandated austerities of the older orders. In some houses of the Society, the religious operated just one school, but in the larger houses they may operate multiple schools, boarding schools, and schools for poor children. The Society's first convent opened at Amiens in 1801, and the Society was formally approved by Pope Leo XII in 1826. The Society quickly spread throughout Europe, and beyond. Today, members of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus serve in more than forty countries around the world, with a focus on the education of girls. In 1818, the Society sent Rose Philippine Duchesne to the Americas, establishing the first free school west of the Mississippi River, in Saint Charles, Missouri. Thereafter, several other institutions of higher education for women were opened in the US. The Society also operates Sprout Creek Farm, a working farm and educational center near Poughkeepsie, New York. In 1842, the Society came to England, where a girl's boarding school was founded in Roehampton, now known as Digby Stuart College, a teacher training school. In England and Wales, the Sisters founded several schools that are no longer directly operated by the Order, but are under the trusteeship of the diocese. They came to New Zealand in 1842. The Society holds NGO status at the United Nations as a special consultant to the Economic and Social Council.
Recommended Resources
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Named for Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, the Network of Sacred Heart Schools is an association of Catholic independent schools and the United States - Canada Province of the Society of the Sacred Heart, created to provide services and programs that promote creative education and leadership Network schools are listed on the site, and shown on an interactive map, within North America and internationally.
https://sofie.org/
Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Society of the Sacred Heart was founded in France by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat and Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne in 1800. The international Catholic organization is active in about forty countries throughout the world. Its history, mission, spirituality, and work for justice, peace and integrity of creation is put forth, along with membership information and contacts.
https://rscjinternational.org/
Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Ireland and Scotland
The history of the international Catholic organization, biographies of its founders, its spirituality, and vocations are highlighted, with an overview of its ministries with young people throughout Ireland and Scotland, and its ministries in Africa. its associates, and contacts. RSCJ news and announcements, a gallery of photographs, links to other provincial web sites and schools are included.
http://www.societyofsacredheart.org/
Society of the Sacred Heart Vocations
The Society is an international congregation of religious women in forty-four countries throughout the world who share the spirit of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat. The Members of the RSCJ share life together in small communities, in prayer and contemplation. An overview of their lives is put forth, including the vows that they take, discernment and membership information.
http://www.societyofthesacredheartvocations.org.uk/
Society of the Sacred Heart, England & Wales
Fully contemplative and apostolic, the Religious of the Sacred Heart are Roman Catholic women whose source is the Open Heart of Jesus. Founded in 1800, the Society came to England in 1842 and, over the decades, various RSCJ communities have opened and closed, but the Society has maintained a longstanding presence in a few places, which are highlighted here, along with membership information and contacts.
http://www.societysacredheart.org.uk/
Society of the Sacred Heart, Indian Province
Founded in France in 1800 by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, the Society of the Sacred Heart established its Indian Province in 1939. The educational congregation is highlighted, including its Sophia College for Women in Mumbai, introductions to some of the Sisters who are involved in the work, their priorities (intercultural dialogue, contemplation, community, JPIC, and young people), and contacts are posted.
http://rscjindiaprovince.org/
Society of the Sacred Heart, United States - Canada
The US-Canada province of the Society of the Sacred Heart is part of an international congregation of Catholic women founded in 1800 by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat. General and historical information about the Society is put forth, along with the provincial leadership, heritage, charism, and and an explanation of its logo and symbology. An annual appeal for contribution is also included.
https://rscj.org/
