Sacred Heart Sisters - Community History

1940	Ida Peterfy pronounced private perpetual vows in the Franciscan church in Kassa, Hungary. Soon companions joined Sister Ida in the work of evangelization in communist-ruled Hungary, under difficult circumstances.
1949	As the political situation became more stressful, Hungarian hierarchy advised Sister Ida to take the young community to the free world, that it may be developed further, and later, when possible, to return to Hungary.
1950	Sisters arrived safely in Toronto, Canada by ship, through the support of the International Refugee Organization (IRO), that helped refugees across the Atlantic Ocean.
1950-56	In the Archdiocese of Toronto, Sisters engaged in mission among Chinese university students.
1954-56	During the “Marian Year” the Sisters organized a large-scale Children’s Day of Prayer under the auspices of Cardinal James McGuigan, Archbishop of Toronto.
1956	Established the Motherhouse and Novitiate in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, California, at the invitation by Cardinal James Francis McIntyre.
1956	Established a convent in Reno, Nevada, at the invitation of Bishop Robert J. Dwyer.
1960’s	“Joyful Apostolate”, Catechist Formation, Summer Camps for Children, Parish Religious Education, Schools of Prayer for adults and Family Retreat Camps began in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and in the Diocese of Reno.
1970’s	Sister Ida with Sisters produced the TV program: “My Friend, Pookie” for KABC TV, at the request of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. (Three seasons, 9 times half-hour programs each.)
1976	First General Chapter: Sister Ida confirmed as Superior General.
1978	Diocese of Orange: Opened a convent and Heart of Jesus Retreat Center in Santa Ana.
1980	Constitutions approved by Cardinal Timothy Manning, Archbishop of Los Angeles. Diocese of San Bernardino: building and opening of the Sacred Heart Retreat Camp in Big Bear Lake.
1981	General Chapter: Sister Eva was elected Superior General.
1985	The Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart canonically erected as an Institute of Diocesan Right by the Holy See. Archdiocese of Taipei: Taiwan mission began with three Sisters to work in the catechetical apostolate, complemented with medical work.
1987	“Sacred Heart Kids’ Club” complete Video-catechesis production began: Creed, Sacraments, Commandments, Prayer, in harmony with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. (30 VHS, half-hour each.)
1988	General Chapter: Sister Jane Stafford, first American Superior General elected.
1990	50^th anniversary. Cardinal Roger Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles, 11 bishops, 83 priests and 3,000 friends celebrate the golden jubilee of Sister Ida and the beginnings of the Community.
1991	Golden Jubilee pilgrimage of the Society to Rome.
1992	Mission in Hungary opened in the Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest. The work of the Sacred Heart Center extends nationwide and also to neighboring countries.
1993	The newly built Heart of Jesus Retreat Center opened. In the Diocese of Orange, California.
1994	General Chapter: Sister Jane Stafford reelected Superior General.
2000	Sister Ida Peterfy, our beloved foundress passed on to eternal life on February 8^th. General Chapter: Sister Lucia Tu was elected Superior General.
2002	Archdiocese of St. Louis, MO : a new apostolic convent was opened in St. Louis at the invitation of then Archbishop Justin Rigali. The Sisters are teaching in the Pontifical Paul the VI Catechetical Institute. The Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart received a great privilege: a pontifical appointment to be member of the International Council for Catechetics under the Congregations of Clergy and Doctrine of the Faith.