The First Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Arrive in the United States

Who Is Jules Chevalier? Part 6

The Devotion to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart successfully reached the east coasts of Canada and the United States. The awareness of the devotion facilitated the identification of its origin, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Issoudun, France.

In 1864, the retired Bishop Charbonnel of Toronto, Canada, continued to preach retreats and sermons. He was aware of the devotion to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. While visiting Issoudun, he was asked to preach on Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Issoudun and other locations. Bishop Charbonnel made frequent visits to Issoudun. To the MSC, he frequently talked about Canada, which sparked interest among the Missionaries in other parts of the world. After all, their motto was, May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be Loved Everywhere. Thus, in 1870, arrangements were made with the Bishop of Ottawa, Canada, to send missionaries to his diocese. The Franco-German war, however, prevented this from materializing.

After the war ended, the Archbishop of Toronto requested the MSC to send 3 Missionaries to Toronto. A former MSC seminarian informed Fr. Chevalier of this request. This news was a great opportunity for the MSC to go to the New World. The General Council approved. On July 21, 1873, Fr. Chapel, accompanied by Br. Henri Dechatre departed for Canada. Regrettably, Fr. Chappel had very little knowledge of French, which created confusion about what type of work he would be engaged in. Likewise, the Archbishop shared the same sentiments and did little to help clarify and resolve the state of affairs. Br. Dechatre returned to France, while Fr. Chappel served as a curate in a parish for a while.

By the grace of God, good news arrived two years later. In 1875, Bishop Edgar P. Wadhams of Ogdensburg, NY, contacted the MSC and asked if anyone was available and willing to minister to a group of French Canadians in Watertown, NY. Bishop Wadhams wanted to set up a center for the MSC and their work in Watertown. Of course, the MSC General Council was happy to take on this new venture. On April 20, 1876, a “missionary” departure celebration took place for the first Missionaries of the Sacred Heart group to depart to the United States. The three MSC who embarked were Fr. Durinn (First Superior), Fr. T. Ariens (First MSC Dutch priest who later left the Congregation), and Fr. J.M. Neenan, (First MSC Irish priest and first to die in the U.S.).

After 250 years of the MSC presence, the Watertown House continues today as a rectory. It had an Apostolic School attached in the back, which had to be removed because of high expenses. Today, the rectory continues to serve three MSC. The first Sacred Heart Church’s original structure stands next to the school in the parking lot and is used as a Mason Club hall.

Father Victor Jouet, MSC, appears earlier in this history.  He was born in Nuroro, Sardinia, on April 29, 1839, in the Diocese of Marseille, and ordained a priest on June 29, 1862. On September 15, 1865, he took private vows in the Congregation. Perpetual Religious Profession occurred on July 7, 1872.

Despite the bitter cold, Fr. Jouet arrived at the MSC house at 4 am on December 26, 1864. His attire was more suitable for the summer than the cold. He came to learn about the MSC men working in parishes. Fr. Jouet eyed the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart statue in the room. He questioned the name and devotion. Fr. Piperone and another MSC left the room to collect firewood to warm the room. When they returned, they found Fr. Jouet on his knees, praying and crying before the statue of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. He was immediately enthusiastic about the statue’s meaning and wanted to learn more about it. Fr. Piperone revealed that it was Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Fr. Piperone explained the significance of the title. Fr. Jouet inquired about the Association of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and whether they had an altar dedicated to her honor. After Fr. Piperone’s explanations, Fr. Jouet asked whether he might immediately offer Mass at her altar.

The devotion to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart created a new-found enthusiasm for Fr. Jouet. Bishop Cuskelly wrote, “No one was the equal of Fr. Jouet in conquering the most insurmountable obstacles. With fire in his soul, a spirit forever active and energetic will, he knew when to act and when to stop and wait before later taking up again the activity he left. He was a man of ardent faith….”

Remember, Fr. Joeut was in Rome to correct the crisis with the Roman Archconfraternity of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, which separated itself from Issoudun. Fr. Chevalier assigned him to Rome and moved the professed students to live with him. This devotion was a chance for the expansion of the community and to be close to the Vatican.

Fr. Jouet founded the Annals of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. The first issue came out in 1866. He had been its editor for 17 years. The magazine’s popularity drew crowds. In 1869, he set out to propagate the devotion to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. He founded an association dedicated to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Tarragona and Barcelona, Spain.

In addition to being superior in several MSC houses, Fr. Jouet held other essential positions in the Congregation. He held various positions as one of the General Counselors. He also was the General Secretary and Procurator Bursar.

Our story of the good Fr. Jouet ends here. Much more can be said about him. It would take manymore pages. God called him to his eternal reward on September 13, 1912.

Br. Warren Perrotto, MSC