The Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, known as the Dehonians, was founded in 1878 by Fr. Leo John Dehon in Saint-Quentin, France. Born from Dehon’s fervent devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the congregation took root in a struggling industrial town marked by poverty and social inequity. Dehon, a priest and advocate for justice, sought to restore a world grounded in God’s love, blending spiritual renewal with social action.

Dehon’s perseverance led to its foundation as the Priests of the Sacred Heart by 1884, with full papal approval from Pope Pius X in 1906. Despite anti-Catholic challenges in France, the Dehonians expanded globally, sending missionaries to places like Ecuador and the Democratic Republic of Congo, though early efforts faced setbacks. Their resilience shone through, today we are active in over 40 countries.

In Canada, the Dehonians arrived in Alberta in 1910 and eventually establishing a presence in 1936 in Quebec to serve French-speaking communities. They focused on education, parish ministry, and social outreach, particularly among the working class and marginalized. Notable is their work at the Centre Sacré-Cœur in Montreal, where they provided spiritual and educational support for youth, and through them, their families. They also established a formation house in Granby, Quebec, to train priests, fostering a distinctly Canadian expression of their mission. Their efforts extended to Indigenous communities, with ministries emphasizing reconciliation and cultural respect.

Globally, the Dehonians, now about 2,200 strong, are led by Superior General Fr. Carlos Luis Suárez Codorniú in Rome, Italy. In Canada, they continue to manage parishes and social programs, embodying their motto inspired by John 19:37: “They will look on the one they have pierced.” Their logo—a cross with an open heart—reflects their call to spread Christ’s love. From a small French town to Canada’s diverse landscapes, the Dehonians’ story is one of grit, compassion, and a dynamic commitment to faith and justice.