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By the time St. Madeleine Sophie
Barat died in 1865, the Society of the Sacred had expanded to 3539
members in 89 houses. During the 30 years that followed membership
nearly doubled. It was a time in which fidelity to the vision of the
founder was equated with consolidation and uniformity.
Margaret Williams, rscj, views this periods as one of consolidation:
Towards
the end of the nineteenth century education had become universal (in
theory) in all countries where the Society was at work; standards for
every social class were rising sharply. Private schools had to compete
with the state schools where education was compulsory, regimented and
gratis. The problem for the Society was how to keep the integrity--as
uniformly as possible--of the "Sacred Heart education" now widely in
demand, while meeting, independently, the requirements of national
systems. 4
4. Source: Williams, M.
(1978). The Society of the Sacred Heart: History of a
Spirit--1800-1975. London, Darton, Longman & Todd, p. 130
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Mission Statement of the Society of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus,
United States Province
The
Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an international community of
women in the Catholic Church, founded in 1800 by St. Madeleine Sophie
Barat. Sharing her vision and mission, we are convinced of the
centrality of prayer and contemplation in our lives. We are committed
to discover, live and announce God’s love through the service of
education for transformation, in diverse ministries, particularly
addressing the needs of children, young people, women and those in
society who are marginalized.
What the Mission Entails
The love of Christ impels us:
- to work for justice and reconciliation, especially in the face of racism, sexism and violence of every kind;
- to join the struggle of the poor for the resources and conditions essential for human well-being;
- to build community;
- to be challenged and broadened by other cultures;
- to live in interdependence with others and with all of creation.
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