On May 24, 1925, Pope Pius XI declared Madeleine Sophie Barat a saint of the Roman Catholic Church. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart, we share 25 days of reflections from members of the Sacred Heart family from across the United States – Canada Province.

Alleluia! Alleluia!! Our hearts were filled with joy as we heard the words “We have a new Pope!” Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

We need to move, to let ourselves be transformed and renewed, so that we can respond from the depths of our being and throughout our lives, remembering who we are and by Whom we are called. (Society of the Sacred Heart, Life Unfolding: Offering the Gift Received)

April 10, 2025, Diane Roche, RSCJ was among seven volunteers recognized by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington at their annual Caritas! event. Sister Roche received the Father John O’Connor Award for Empowerment and was recognized for her work at the Refugee Service Center. Catholic Charities wrote of Diane:

Be humble, be simple, and bring joy to others. - Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we mourn Pope Francis. Surely, he brought to life the above words of Saint Madeleine Sophie. Francis lived from the conviction that hope is born of love that finds its roots in the pierced heart of Christ.