About us - RSCJ

Our Histrory

The Society of the Sacred Heart was founded by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat in Paris, France.

On November 21, 1800 Madeleine Sophie Barat and three other women consecrated themselves to spread God’s love, focusing on prayer and the education of young women and this marked the beginning of the Society. Sophie and her companions were guided by the motto “One Heart and One Soul in the Heart of Jesus.” In 1806, Sophie was elected superior general and she let the Society for 65 years. During Sophie’s time, the Society expanded to other parts of the world and grew to over 3,500 members. After her death on 25th May 1865 the Society continued to expand and to grow.

The Society formally adopted its Constitutions at the 1815 general council and received approval from Pope Leo XII in 1826. The General Chapter of 1982, following extensive preparation across the entire Society and in response to the Church’s call for renewal, formulated and proposed new Constitutions. These new Constitutions were designed to embrace the directives of Vatican II while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original 1815 Constitutions.

The Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an International and pontifical congregation. Our Mother House is in Rome, with more than 2,500 members from 41 countries around the world responding to the call; to discover and manifest the love of Christ.

Arrival in Uganda

The Society of the Sacred Heart established its presence in Uganda in 1962, shortly before the country gained independence.

The invitation came from Archbishop Kiwanuka of Kampala, recognizing the Society’s commitment to education and religious formation. This marked the beginning of their contribution to Ugandan society through education and spiritual service.

In January 1962, six (6) foundresses: Anna Mackie, Kathleen Kennedy, Freda Killeen, Ita Ward, Pauline Campbell, from Irish/Scottish Vicariate, with Anne de Stacpoole from ANZ arrived in Uganda to take over administration of Nkozi Teacher Training College. With more RSCJ from other Provinces, we moved to Masaka and founded a community at Kalisizo in 1964 and later spread in other parts of the country.

Our presence in Kenya

Our first community in Kenya was at Gatanga in 1973.

In January 1973, Dotty traveled from Kampala to Nairobi but initially struggled to find a place to work. Eventually, she secured a teaching position at a harambee school in Gatanga, located in the Nyeri Diocese. She was later joined by Jackie Kearns and Alberta Dandolo (Dandy), and together they worked at the same school.

As the mission in Kenya grew, more sisters moved to Eldoret, where they served at the Minor Seminary, supporting the education and formation of young men. The sisters later extended their work to the Eldoret Pastoral Institute. Also, some sisters moved to Chekalini, where they began teaching at Bishop Njenga High School, worked with people with disabilities, and supported Uasin Gishu Memorial Hospital.

Who we are

The Society of the Sacred Heart Uganda-Kenya Province belongs to the Religious of the Sacred Heart or RSCJ, an international congregation of Catholic religious women. The province serves the Uganda and Kenya communities through education, pastoral work, health, retreat direction, and youth ministries. Our life and mission in the Uganda-Kenya Province is rooted in our call by God to serve both the Church and the world. Inspired by the vision of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, the RSCJ in Uganda-Kenya strive to discover and reveal the love of the Heart of Jesus. United in community and supporting one another, we are committed to proclaiming the Gospel and fostering justice, hope, and a more loving life for all. Our mission as a Province extends across various ministries, including pastoral work, healthcare, education at all levels, retreat and spiritual direction, as well as justice, peace, and integrity of creation. Through these diverse ministries, the sisters work to respond to the needs of the local communities, bringing the love of Christ into every aspect of life and service. As part of the global Congregation, the RSCJ Uganda-Kenya Province reflects a deep commitment to internationality. Present on five continents, the Society embraces the rich religious, geographical, and cultural diversity of its members. This diversity strengthens the shared mission of making God's love known throughout the world. In Uganda and Kenya, this international spirit challenges and empowers the sisters to embody the love of Jesus in many different ways and contexts.