During the meeting of the General Commission for Initial Formation with the General Government, Éric Hernout sscc, General Archivist, gave a presentation entitled: History of the Spirituality of the Sacred Hearts (SSCC) after the Founders. This presentation offered an overview of more than 185 years of spiritual evolution, from the origins in France to contemporary challenges.
Éric highlighted the figure of Saint Damien of Molokai as a living expression of the Picpusian spirituality of the 19th century, influenced by Father Ladislas Radigue, who emphasized devotion, adoration and sacrifice as pillars of religious life. The presentation also addressed the renewal process experienced by the Congregation in the 20th century, when, inspired by the Second Vatican Council, the SSCC rediscovered their sources and reformulated their charism focused on contemplating, living and proclaiming the redeeming love of God manifested in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
The speaker invited participants to value this spirituality as a “diamond with multiple facets,” which each generation must make shine anew according to the needs of its time. The current challenge, he noted, is to keep the Picpusian identity alive in dialogue with the modern world and its spiritual quests.
10/15/2025