Generalate
The Generalate of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is made up of the Superior General and her Council. Their shared governance is embodied in three areas: Apostolic Life, Formation and Governance, in a spirit of discernment, communion and collaboration.
“We received the gift of trust in God and in each other, the freedom to express ourselves in truth, and deep peace. We discovered that we shared the same hope and sense of possibility, the same vision and commitment to the eight new provinces and the four apostolic priorities. We continue to reflect and explore how our role as councillors will evolve to unfold our mission of educating young people across the four priorities.”
Letter from the General Council to the Society on February 11, 2025
The Superior General
Claire Castaing
Superior General
The Superior General is elected for a term of eight years by the General Chapter and governs the Society of the Sacred Heart together with the General Council and other governing bodies, according to our Constitutions and discerning the signs of the times in the light of the Word of God.
Claire Castaing originally hails from Marseille, France and took her final vows in 2009. She is the seventeenth Superior General since the Society’s foundation in 1800.
Her past services to the Society have included being the Superior of the District of Egypt (2022-2024), a member of the BFN provincial team (2012-2014), BFN Provincial (2014-2021), a member of the models committee for the preparation of the Special Chapter 2021, and a member of the International Planning Commission.
As Superior General, Claire is the link person for the Finance Office and Communication.
The General Council
The Superior General governs with the help of four councilors. With them, she forms a discerning community at the service of the Society’s mission.
Ananda Amritmahal, who originally hails from India, took her final vows in 1998. She is the Secretary General, as well as the councillor (in charge) for the Apostolic Priority of JPIC, along with Sheila Smith. She is also a councillor for Formation with Paqui Rodríguez (in charge). In addition, she is the councillor for the new provinces of CEI and NEANZ, and the link person for the General Archives and the General Secretariat.
Noellina Namusisi, who originally hails from Uganda, took her final vows in 1992. She is the councillor (in charge) for the Apostolic Priority of Education, along with Paqui Rodríguez. She is also a councillor for Spirituality with Sheila Smith (in charge). In addition, she is the councillor for the new provinces of ANAM and ESP-POL, and the link person for Safeguarding.
Francisca (Paqui) Rodríguez, who originally hails from Spain, took her final vows in 2006. She is the councillor (in charge) for the Apostolic Priority of Formation, along with Ananda Amritmahal. She is also a councillor for Education with Noellina Namusisi (in charge). In addition, she is the councillor for the new provinces of Africa and Filipina Sur.
Sheila Smith, who originally hails from Canada, took her final vows in 2006. She is the councillor (in charge) for the Apostolic Priority of Spirituality, along with Noellina Namusisi. She is also a councillor for JPIC with Ananda Amritmahal (in charge). In addition, she is the councillor for the new provinces of BFN-EGY-ITA and SE-SASIA.
Community
Gathered together in community in the name of Jesus Christ, we are sent to proclaim, by our very lives and activities, the Good News of the Kingdom. From His Heart we draw the love which enables us to live in communion, among ourselves and with others. Whatever the service entrusted to us, we stand together, united in our common mission. (Const. 30)
The Mother House community in Rome is comprised of eight Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (RSCJ) from different parts of the world.
The Mother House is a unique space, often expanding and welcoming others for various international commission and team meetings throughout the year.
