The Beginnings of the Sacred Heart Sodality

Each spiritual family in the Church, while rooted in the authentic teaching and unity of the Church, has its own particular gift and contribution to make. The gift of the Sacred Heart Sodality is to unite Catholic men and women, 18 years and older, who wish to honour the love and compassion of the Heart of Christ in a special way through a life of worship and service.

During the seventeenth century in France, St. Margaret Mary (right) was instrumental in the gradual movement towards having the devotion to the Sacred Heart publically approved by the church.

The beginnings of the Sacred Heart Sodality in Southern Africa date back to 1895 in Centocow Mission in the Marianhill Diocese where it was founded by missionary, Fr. Gerard Walpert.

Today the Sacred Heart Sodality in South Africa exists in 29 Dioceses countrywide.

In the Johannesburg Archdiocese the Sodality has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception 51 years ago. The pioneers and stalwarts who laid the foundation of this Sodality in Johannesburg include former Presidents Mrs Constance Nkuna, Mrs Michaeline Morare and Mrs Busisiwe Futha. It is the largest sodality in the archdiocese with a membership of about 5000 members and it continues to attract members from all walks of life. Johannesburg, Klerksdorp, Witbank and Swaziland form the Johannesburg Metro.

In recent years we have seen a large number of youth joining the Sodality, and they have proudly nicknamed themselves “SHY” (Sacred Heart Youth). Though members of this vast army of believers who subscribe to a very solid constitution, this group enjoys some degree of autonomy with regard to their activities, to ensure that the organization remains relevant to them as young people.

The Sodality’s success lies in the wisdom of the elderly, the vibrancy of the youth and diligence of its leadership.

The picture at left shows:

The Diocesan Committee: 2014-2016

Back row: From Left to Right: Thulani Sibeko (Secretary), Fr. Mbulelo Sikotoyi, OFM  (Spiritual Advisor), Radikeledi Moforutsi,  Front row: Lilian Mathe (Treasurer), Bridgette Goeieman (President), Phindile Hlalele, Kethamatse Sihlali, Paulina Molepo.