There are many traditions we carry on at Sacred Heart Villa. We are proud of our Italian heritage since the school was started by four Italian Sisters of the congregation of The Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On October 9th, some faculty and families of The Villa participated in the parade and festivities of the Italian Heritage Festa on The Hill. It was so heart-warming to see so many of our school’s graduates from those in grade school now to those who graduated many, many years ago. Kris Doder and Sr. Bridget heard so many wonderful memories shared. Many people spoke with much affection for the Sisters they had in class and the impact Sacred Heart Villa and The Hill neighborhood had on them.
There is a long-standing tradition at all the schools staffed by these Sisters to have a consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus each year. The charism of the Sisters encourages them to share the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus with all those they serve. At The Villa, the children make a simple Act of Consecration during a prayer service honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus each October. We have this special time of prayer to show Jesus we are grateful and happy to know He loves us. On October 16th the Catholic Church honors St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a woman who was a Visitation Sister from 1671-1690 who was blessed with visions of The Sacred Heart of Jesus. Jesus asked her to help others come to know the abundant love in His Heart and to spread the news that He wanted people to consecrate themselves to His Sacred Heart. At The Villa we have the consecration on the feast day of Saint Margaret Mary or a day close to it. On Friday October 14th, the kindergarten class will lead this prayer service for all the other classes. We hope this devotional practice will make an impression on the children and form in their hearts a great desire to imitate Jesus’ love for everyone.