The Dehonian Year Begins

In 1878, Fr. Leo John Dehon took his first vows and founded the Priests of the Sacred Heart. On February 14, the worldwide congregation began a year-long preparatory period in anticipation of its 125 th anniversary.

February 14 is significant because it is the day in 1877 that Fr. Dehon visited the Marian Shrine in Loretto, Italy and received the inspiration and desire to found the congregation.

The “Dehonian Year,” as Fr. Virginio Bressanelli, SCJ, superior general, has termed it, runs from February 14, 2002 through June 28, 2003.

Sacred Heart School of Theology hosted a prayer service and luncheon on February 14 commemorating the start of the Dehonian Year. The chapel was filled with SCJs and co-workers from the Hales Corners – Milwaukee area.

The service included a reading from a letter Fr. Dehon had written about his experience in Loretto, the Litany of Loretto, a Scripture reading and finally, a blessing of SCJs by the assembly. Fr. Otto Bucher, OFMCap., a member of the SHST faculty for many years, led the blessing. He was quick to note that not only have the Capuchins collabor ated with the SCJs for many years, but that it is his religious community which cares for the Marian Shrine at Loretto. “I am glad to be a part of this,” he said.

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