Welcome to the history of the Western American Area of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM)
Rooted in the founding vision of Father Jean Gailhac and Mother St. Jean Cure-Pélissier, the RSHM Western American Area embraces a legacy of faith, zeal, and risk in service to a world in need. From our earliest foundations in California and Mexico, we have been committed to collaboration, compassion, and placing resources in the service of those most in need of justice.
Guided by internationality and a global perspective and vision, our sisters have journeyed across borders and cultures to educate, advocate, and respond to the needs of the times. Whether through schools, pastoral ministries, or community outreach, we strive to ensure that all may have life, life to the full.
We invite you to explore our story, shaped by passion, resilience, and the ongoing call to make God known and loved in every generation.
Founder and Foundress
Founder Father Jean Gailhac, and Mother St. Jean Pelissier Cure, Foundress and First Superior…
Beginnings of the Institute
The Institute of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary was founded on February 24, 1849, when a group of women gathered together to form a community dedicated to the works of Father Jean Gailhac, a priest in Béziers, France.
WAA History – A Legacy Rooted in Faith, Creativity, and Courage
The story of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) in California and Mexico is one marked by both strengths and struggles in responding to the signs of the times…
General Superiors
As co-foundress and first superior, Appollonie, now known as Mother St. Jean, worked closely with Father Gailhac and governed the Institute until…
Global Outreach/Where We Are
This website reflects the life of the California and México Province. Our internationality is an important part of our identity as RSHM. It enables us to work beyond national boundaries, and together, to promote the life and dignity of all.…
Mission Statement
We, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, an international apostolic institute of women religious, are called to share in the life-giving mission of Jesus Christ.
