About Priests of the Sacred Heart
The Priests of the Sacred Heart, known as SCJs or Dehonians, is a Roman Catholic community of brothers and priests devoted to the Heart of Jesus.
We are the Priests of the Sacred Heart, known in many areas of the world as “Dehonians,” after our founder, Ven. Fr. Leo John Dehon, or by the initials “SCJ” that stand for the official name of the congregation: “Sacerdotum Corde Jesu.”
Our roots are in France, within the crowded factory town of St. Quentin. It is there that our founder was struck by the injustice of poverty and social neglect. His dream was to establish a community committed to continuing Christ’s work of building God’s kingdom of justice and love. That community has grown to serve in over 40 countries on five continents
Mission
It is not what the Priests of the Sacred Heart – Dehonians – do that defines who we are but how we live and what we believe in: the love of the Heart of Jesus. We are found in parishes and schools, social services, and in missions at home and overseas.
Our diversity of ministry reflects our founding vision:
to be wherever God’s love is most needed.
History
Established in 1878, we remain committed to continuing Christ’s work of building God’s kingdom of justice and love throughout the world.
Our Founder
Learn about Ven. Fr. Leo John Dehon and his vision for the religious community which he founded.
280+
Parishes
45+
Schools
40+
Countries
Our Members
We are approximately 2,300 Dehonian (SCJ) priests and brothers worldwide. Our members serve in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. We are pastors in urban and rural parishes. We are teachers, social workers, counselors, missionaries, artists, musicians, youth ministers and caregivers. Meet some of our members!