The Priests of the Sacred Heart, also known as Dehonians, are a Roman Catholic religious congregation founded in France in 1878 by Venerable Leo John Dehon. In Canada their ministry began in 1910 and continue today, focused on spreading the love of Jesus through community living, prayer, and service, with an emphasis on social justice and support for the marginalized. Their mission is rooted in devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus striving to build God’s kingdom of justice and love.

The Dehonians have a modest but impactful presence in Canada, primarily within the Archdioceses of Toronto, Ottawa-Cornwall, Gatineau-Hull, and Montréal. Their ministry focuses on pastoral care serving diverse, multicultural communities, and promoting the Dehonian charism of spreading the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Dehonian Presence in Canada

The Dehonian presence in Canada is characterized by a commitment to pastoral ministry, particularly in multicultural settings, reflecting the diversity of the regions they serve. The Canadian Region of the Dehonians consists of 24 members living and ministering in the three local communities in Montréal, Ottawa, and Toronto. These communities are composed of priests and brothers from different countries, including Canada, Cameroon, DR Congo, Indonesia, Brazil, India, emphasizing international, intercultural, intergenerational community living as a priority. Their ministries include parish ministry, chaplaincy, and outreach to marginalized groups such as migrants and veterans.

In Montréal, the French-speaking members ministers in several nearby parishes and offers the Mission Office to share our Dehonian spirituality and charism with our benefactors through the gifts of their solidarity the secretariat for benefactors and missions. Additionally, they support educational initiatives, maintaining the Dehonian spirit Séminaire du Sacré-Cœur in  Pointe-au-Chêne. In Ottawa, Dehonians serve in chaplaincy roles, such as at the Perley Health Center, and engage in parish ministry across the Ottawa River in the Gatineau-Hull diocese. In Toronto, their work centers on parishes serving vibrant, multicultural congregations and a special work with migrants and refugees. 

The Dehonians are engaged in pastoral care, celebrating sacraments, and supporting community rebuilding efforts. Their work reflects a dedication to being present among and with the people, fostering community, and addressing spiritual and social needs with a prophetic witness rooted in simplicity and solidarity.

Ministry in Canada:

1. Community and Prayer:

• The Dehonians live in community to reflect solidarity and brotherhood, strengthening their mission through prayer and the Eucharist. Their communal lifestyle is a sign of the compassion and love of Christ, fostering authentic Christian communities in their houses and among those they serve.

2. Apostolic Ministries:

• Parish Ministry: They engage in pastoral work serving in parishes in areas of Montréal, Ottawa, and Toronto.
• Education: The congregation founded Séminaire du Sacré-Coeur in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, Quebec, in 1953, a high-level academic school for grades 7–11.
• Ministry to Immigrants: ministry to immigrants of Dutch descent was the beginning of the Dehonian presence in Canada. It was centered in the Diocese of London Ontario, Ottawa, and Toronto and included the establishment of a hostel for newly arrived immigrants and the founding of St. Willibrord Credit Union (Libro Credit Union) in London. A ministry of immigrants of Indonesian descent (Umat Katolik Indonesia) began in 1980- in Toronto and is still faithfully carried out by successive Indonesian Dehonians. In 2006, Becoming Neighbours was established to help accompany newcomers to Canada. It is a collaborative ministry, with members of the men and women religious congregations and their friends to acclimatize newcomers through their presence, prayer, and solidarity.
• Specialized Ministries: Ethnic groups are served by the communities: UKI (Indonesia), Portuguese and Spanish speakers.

3. Global Connection:

• The Canadian region is part of a global congregation of 2,300 members across 42 countries, with a shared commitment to missionary work, education, and social action.

The Priests of the Sacred Heart in Canada strive to embody Christ’s love through active ministry, community life, and a commitment to the poor, continuing Fr. Dehon’s legacy of compassion and justice. For more details or to explore vocations, contact their Vocation Office or visit www.scjcanada.org.