In September 1881, at the request of Pope Leo XIII the Congregation sent its first missionaries overseas. From Barcelona three missionaries set out for Papua New Guinea and founded the first overseas mission in 1882 near Rabaul on the island of New Britain.
Despite meager financial resources and lack of men, Fr. Chevalier took responsibility for the missions of Oceania (now Papua New Guinea) in 1881.
(Following the 2nd World War – missions had been destroyed) In response to a call for help, the United States Province sent seven young men to Papua New Guinea in 1947
Taken from the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Centennial Book (1854-2004). Photo: The seven priests that went to New Guinea in 1947