Sacred Heart Solidarity Medal

Sacred Heart Solidarity Medal

Measures 4.5cm x 3cm

metal

The Beginnings of the Sacred Heart Sodality

Each spiritual family in the Church, while rooted in the authentic
teaching and unity of the Church, has its own particular gift and
contribution to make. The gift of the Sacred Heart Sodality is to unite
Catholic men and women, 18 years and older, who wish to honour the love
and compassion of the Heart of Christ in a special way through a life of
worship and service.

During the seventeenth century in France, St. Margaret Mary (right)
was instrumental in the gradual movement towards having the devotion to
the Sacred Heart publically approved by the church.

The beginnings of the Sacred Heart Sodality in Southern Africa date
back to 1895 in Centocow Mission in the Marianhill Diocese where it was
founded by missionary, Fr. Gerard Walpert.

Today the Sacred Heart Sodality in South Africa exists in 29 Dioceses countrywide.

In the Johannesburg Archdiocese the Sodality has grown in leaps and
bounds since its inception 51 years ago. The pioneers and stalwarts who
laid the foundation of this Sodality in Johannesburg include former
Presidents Mrs Constance Nkuna, Mrs Michaeline Morare and Mrs Busisiwe
Futha. It is the largest sodality in the archdiocese with a membership
of about 5000 members and it continues to attract members from all walks
of life. Johannesburg, Klerksdorp, Witbank and Swaziland form the
Johannesburg Metro.

In recent years we have seen a large number of youth joining the
Sodality, and they have proudly nicknamed themselves "SHY" (Sacred Heart
Youth). Though members of this vast army of believers who subscribe to a
very solid constitution, this group enjoys some degree of autonomy with
regard to their activities, to ensure that the organization remains
relevant to them as young people.

The Sodality's success lies in the wisdom of the elderly, the vibrancy of the youth and diligence of its leadership.