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Margaret Williams, rscj, summarizes this period as one of challenge. She writes:
The
years from the end of World War II to the death of Pius XII were
charged with dynamism as the global age moved towards the space age,
through the confused forties and the "fabulous fifties." [The United
Nations]issued a "Universal Declaration of Human Rights," implemented
non-politically by UNESCO. New nations came into being: the
Philippines, Israel, South Korea. A Third World emerged behind the
opposing worlds of Communism and Capitalism. . . .
For
the Society of the Sacred Heart there were years of transition when
tradition was challenged by renewal. The Aggiornamento had not begun;
it was prepared for without realization of all that it would mean. . . .
In
the preceding period of expansion the Society had attempted to meet
current challenges. . . with resulting tensions. While answering a
manifest call to progress it had been on the defensive; while reaching
out it had remained stable and worked by its own pattern.
.
. .after 1946 concession and caution gave way to a more determined
stance. The number of communities grew slightly; in 1946 there were
6560 religious in 175 houses in 24 vicariates; in 1958 there were 6852
religious in 183 houses in 35 vicariates. These steady figures are once
again deceptive. Vocations were waning while the age level was rising;
the pyramid was becoming inverted [except in US]. New teaching programs
and the number of those taught increased far out of proportion to
personnel; overwork menaced both efficiency and prayer. Yet, as
problems became more complex, a clearer "yes" or "no" was returned to
louder demands. Tensions did not vanish; they were confronted. While no
radical changes were made in structures or way of life, both were
revivified. Old values were re-expressed. . . .
Yet signs that such [basic]change was needed--and was--coming surfaced unmistakably. Renewal was foreseen. . . . 1
1. Williams, M. (1978). The Society of the Sacred Heart: History of a Spirit--1800-1975. London, Darton, Longman & Todd, pp 229-230
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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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