Who we are?
The Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an international congregation of women in the Catholic Church. The Society was founded in France in 1800 by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat.
Through our presence on five continents, we embrace different cultures and traditions as we serve with a common mission of manifesting the love of God and sharing it with others. This global perspective enables us to adapt and respond to the unique needs of each community we serve fostering a sense of unity amidst diversity. Our international presence allows us to learn from different cultures and adapt our approach to better connect with people from various backgrounds. By embracing this diversity, we can reach a wider audience through our mission of education. This path of internationality is a challenge and an opportunity to incarnate the love of Jesus in many ways and with many faces.
Our RSCJ community is spread across various locations in Uganda and Kenya, living in diverse community configurations. Despite our differences, we are united in our shared goal of spreading God’s love to the many people we encounter in our ministries.
Where We Are
The Society of the Sacred Heart is present in 41 countries worldwide.
The Society in the Uganda-Kenya Province
The Society of the Sacred Heart arrived in Uganda in 1962 at the request of Archbishop Kiwanuka of Kampala. Two Ugandan laymen, who had studied in Edinburgh, Scotland, suggested the Society to establish a foundation in Uganda. The Archbishop called on Reverend Mother Sherin, Superior of the Irish/Scottish Vicariate, to make the request. The Society’s foundresses in Uganda were; Sisters. Freda Killeen and Veronica Blount. They arrived in Uganda in 1961 to investigate the Teacher Training College at Nkozi. The community was established immediately, and work in the college.
In 1963, Bishop Ddungu of Masaka asked the Society to take Christ the King Secondary School in Kalisizo. The first Ugandan to join the Society was Sister Rose Banura, who made her First Vows in 1972. Between 1962 and 1971, the group of missionaries from overseas grew in numbers and internationality, including Sisters from Uruguay, Spain, Argentina, Italy, France, Hungary, England, Canada, the U.S., Colombia, India, Japan, Poland, Ireland, Scotland, and the Australia/New Zealand Province.
In 1973 we went to Kenya in Gatanga, Nyeri Diocese and in 1974 to Chekalini, near Webuye, and also to Eldoret. Currently, the Uganda Kenya province has twelve communities both in Uganda and Kenya.
Uganda-Kenya leadrship since 1962
