Print Issue: July 4, 2002

ACJ Sisters Celebrate Saint Who Began Order

Rachel Beal, Sister Margarita Martin, ACJ, and Delores Schweitzer enjoy fellowship during the reception honoring the canonization anniversary of Sister Rafaela Maria, the woman Religious who founded the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The reception was held at the ACJ convent in Atlanta May 25.

ATLANTA - The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Ancillae Cordis Jesu) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the canonization of their foundress, St. Rafaela Maria, at the ACJ convent in Atlanta on May 25.

Msgr. Thomas Kenny, rector of the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta, presided at the Eucharist which was concelebrated by Father Linus DeSantis, OFM Conv.; Father Joseph Fahy, CP, Father Victor Reyes and Father Fred Wendel. Father Tim Hepburn led the congregation in songs of praise with his guitar.

St. Rafaela Maria's life was summarized by Father DeSantis in his homily including her character and spirit of humility and hospitality and dedication to do God's will in her life.

She was faithful to ensure that the spirituality of St. Ignatius would guide the way of life of the community of women Religious she formed. Father DeSantis also told the congregation gathered at the celebration of Sister Rafaela's love of Jesus in the Eucharist. She spent many hours in adoration, and was zealous to let everyone know about Jesus' love. Her passion for Jesus led her to service to the underprivileged and to foster change in society through education. There are currently about 1,500 women Religious who are Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

ACJ associations, women in discernment and many other friends joined the community in the canonization anniversary celebration.

The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus came to Atlanta in 1985. Today these women Religious minister to Spanish, English and Vietnamese speaking people respectively at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta, Good Shepherd Services, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Atlanta, and St. Joseph's Church, Athens.