Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. (SSH)
The Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart is an indigenous Religious Congregation for Women, is a Diocesan Congregation. It is governed by the Common law of the Catholic Church, especially the code of canon Law, the Constitutions and Directives of the Congregation. It is an apostolic community. It provides its members with a fixed rule of life. By following this rule we will more easily attain the perfection of charity, which is the goal of human life. Individually and as a Congregation we will in this way offer dedicated service to God and the Church The centre of our Congregation is Christ Jesus who was dead but who now lives (Rev. 1: 18) and having been glorified, through the Spirit gives life to all who approach Him in faith (Jn. 7: 39). The existence and well-being of the Congregation depend on the profession of the three evangelical counsels of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience which each of us makes when we pronounce our vows in a spirit of consecration and live according to them in a spirit of reparation. See all
Heritage of SSH
Our heritage starts from the God-experience of our founder Rt.Rev.Bishop Louis Van Hoeck S.J. and our pioneer sisters. The inspiration for our special way of life comes to us from the example of our Founder Bishop Louis Van Hoeck S.J. In the social needs of those times he recognized God’s call and set on foot the means to fulfil the spiritual, corporal and social needs of the people, especially women, children, the needy and the orphans.Having made his spirit our own we also serve all, especially the poor, the differently abled and the marginalized
This charism is inherited from our Founder and pioneering sisters. We give expression to our charism by our life and ministry constantly seeking God’s will.
Compassionate Love - A Divine Call to Serve the Suffering Humanity.
Imbibed by the spirit of our Founder, characterized by simplicity and humility we, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, endeavour with zeal for uplifting the downtrodden and suffering humanity. We gladly remain always ready to provide any type of service, as the signs of the time demands through catechetical instruction, direct evangelization, education, health care and social service. We discern the will of God and move towards rural and urban societies to eradicate ignorance and poverty to liberate specially girls, women, children, children in need of care and protection, orphans, marginalized for the greater glory of God.
Our History
A Brief History of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Patna Archdiocese. In 1921, Rev. Fr. Louise van Hoeck, S.J. was consecrated the first bishop of Patna Diocese. He began his ministry by touring the diocese to get firsthand information about the various needs of the diocese of Patna. One thing that struck him most was the fact that women, especially those in villages, were deprived of adequate spiritual as well as of secular education. The plight of women remained pathetic on account of oppressive social customs that kept them subservient to men. Having in mind the important role that women play in Christian families he decided to do something substantial for women. See all
Founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart
Rt. Rev. Louise Van Hoeck S.J. was the first Bishop of Patna Diocese, Bihar, India. He was born on August 15, 1870, at Antwerp, Belgium. He was the third child of six siblings. At the age of five he lost his father and at the age of eight his mother. His great desire to become a priest grew as he grew up in his age. He joined the Society of Jesus and on October 10, 1892 he left for India. He was ordained a priest in Society of Jesus on October 4, 1903 at the age of thirty three. He became a successful priest, administrator and a compassionate lover of poor and needy. He had a strong and attractive personality. He was serious and strict man of following laws and rules and ready to go where ever he was send. His interest and likeness was to work for poor and helpless people of village. He was a fore sighted person, good constructor and great educationist. He had special love towards orphans and poor filled with fatherly love. Fr. Louise Van Hoeck was consecrated the first bishop of Patna Diocese in March 1921. He realized the people needed education especially women and children. He decided to do something substantial for them. After much prayer and reflection he founded a new congregation on June 11th 1926 with indigenous women who could understand the social customs of the land and work for the uplifting of the women and children. Bishop Louise Van Hoeck was courageous and headstrong. His personal toughness served to inspire others. Bishop Louise Van Hoeck was transferred to Ranchi in 1928, leaving the charge of the diocese in the hands of Rev. Fr. Bernard Sullivan. He was the first bishop of Ranchi and worked till 1933. He went for eternal reward on April 30th 1933. He was buried in front of the alter of the Ranchi Cathedral Church. We the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart celebrate 30th April as the Founder’s Day.
