Too many vocations? A noviciate is needed
January 2021
Founded in 1961 by Fr. Basilio Rosati, a Passionist priest, the Consoling Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus were entrusted to Fr. Emmanuel du Chalard (SSPX) by Father Basilio in 1996. Currently, their motherhouse is in Vigne di Narni, Italy where their community prays, teaches catechism, assists the SSPX in its apostolate and look after the aged in their nursing home and in the neighbourhood.
In 2006, Providence blessed them with a new apostolate in India—an orphanage and oldage home. With the help of benefactors from all over the world, they constructed a truly remarkable building that houses almost 100 people. The 7 Indian sisters are tireless in their dedication to educate the orphan girls and take care of the elderly who are often found abandoned on the street and in miserable condition.
In 2014, when the first American postulant arrived in Italy, homage was paid to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and her image was enthroned in the convent. From that moment the flow of young Americans has been non-stop and the Congregation now has 45 members of 7 nationalities (26 professed sisters, 8 novices, 11 postulants).
Given the lack of space, but not wanting to refuse vocations, the sisters have been obliged to put bunkbeds in the bedrooms, in the workroom, and even in the Superior’s office.
Moreover, additional girls have asked the sisters to visit. Not having any place left to put these girls, the sisters urgently need a place that is large enough for at least 20 people, to begin a Noviciate to form the girls in the beginning of their religious life.
After innumerable prayers and long hours of research, St. Joseph has granted them the great grace of finding an ex-Capuchin convent, built in the 1600s, 40 minutes from Vigne, with an optimal structure (restored in 2000), with 30 bedrooms and 5 acres of land. Unfortunately, not having been occupied for 5 years, the convent has suffered damages and vandalism: gutters and pipes stolen, electric and hydraulic panels damaged, windows broken, etc.
The price that is asked is €1,150,000. The Community, having no income, lives solely on Divine Providence and does not have the means to pay this price.
Therefore, the Community turns to you, dear benefactors, asking you to be instruments in the Hands of God to offer to His future spouses a place where, in silence, obedience and fraternal charity, they can learn how to become true Religious who console the Heart of Jesus and spread the devotion to Him through the whole world.
The Sisters assure you of a special remembrance in their daily prayers and sacrifices.
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