December 12, 2024 – Saint Madeleine Sophie’s birthday –
was a special occasion for the Society of the Sacred Heart.
On this day, Barbara Dawson and her Council
passed on the service of leadership to
Claire Castaing and her Council.
More than 90 Religious of the Sacred Heart, some members of the Sacred Heart Family, friends and guests came together for the Eucharistic Liturgy, presided by Fr. Douglas Marcouiller SJ, at the Villa Lante in Rome. Many others connected via Zoom to take part in the celebration.
The ritual of the Change of the General Council, which took place before the Offertory, expresses the spirit of this moment:
Barbara Dawson brought from the altar of Madeleine Sophie the candle that has been lit at the moment of the election of the superior general since Madeleine Sophie’s death. She lit it and passed it on to Claire Castaing, just as she passes on to her the responsibility for the leadership of the Society for the next eight years.
Claire lit a candle from Sophie’s candle and shared it with her Council, as they take up their service together.
To Ananda, Marie-Jeanne gave the Bible — a reminder to all of us that the spirituality and mission of the Congregation is rooted in the Word of God.
To Noellina, Anne gave the Constitutions of the Congregation — expressing symbolically that the role of the General Council is to foster the communion and unity of Society of the Sacred Heart.
To Paqui, Mónica gave the documents of the 2024 General Chapter, the fruit of our discernment of the emerging future — signifying that the implementation of the Chapter is entrusted to the Council.
To Sheila, Daphne gave a globe and the Society Catalogue with the name of each RSCJ and her ministry – reminding us that the spirituality of the Society, rooted in the Heart of Christ, impels us to be contemplatives in action for the service of the world, particularly for people and places that are marginalized or excluded.
Before the Final Blessing, the new General Council blessed and sent off Barbara, Anne, Daphne, Marie-Jeanne and Mónica to their respective provinces and ministries.
With grateful hearts, we thank Anne, Daphne, Marie-Jeanne,
Mónica, Isabelle and Barbara;
and with hope and trust, we welcome Claire, Ananda,
Noellina, Paqui, and Sheila!
Watch the thank you video from the provincials
See more photos from the event
Section |International News
Province |Mother House
