Two significant dates in Society of the Sacred Heart history are nearly here, and both impact each of us in the Academy community, for without them, we literally would not be here. This week, Lisa Tebbe ’80, Director of Marketing and Communications, reflects on the gifts of Sacred Heart relationships.
Tomorrow, we celebrate the birth of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, born December 12, 1779 in Joigny, France. Sophie’s birth was dramatic—she was born during a fire—and that seemed to portend the role she would later play in religious life and education. She was highly educated for a woman of her time, thanks to her brother and tutor, Louis. Sophie lived through the horrors of the French Revolution, which ignited in her a desire to take part in the restoration of Christian life in France through the education of young women. Her belief in a loving God impelled her to share that love and compassion with all she encountered. This deep-seated desire led her to begin the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1800 whose purpose was to make known the love of God revealed in the Heart of Christ.
Fast forward to December 13, 1804, when Madeleine Sophie and Philippine Duchesne met for the first time (I like to call this “Sacred Heart Friendship Day”). This meeting of two women who highly respected and trusted each other—forged a deep bond and life-long connection. While it would still take many years, it was the catalyst for Philippine coming to North America and establishing our school in 1818. Philippine never returned to France but over 30+ years she and Sophie nurtured their friendship through correspondence. Sophie is known for a natural capacity for friendship that sparked a wide network of relationships, so it makes perfect sense that the essence of Sacred Heart education is relationships.
Lisa Tebbe with the icon depicting the meeting of Madeleine Sophie Barat and Philippine Duchesne on December 13, 1804. Created by Anne Davidson, RSCJ, this icon is displayed in the historic area, across from the Pre-Primary classroom.
These dates, while not as well-known as Sophie and Philippine’s Feast days, are integral to who we are. This time of the year, I reflect with overwhelming gratitude on my Sacred Heart relationships: My longest friendships—classmates with whom I sang at Silver Tea; the colleagues over my three decades at the Academy who have poured their hearts into the mission of this school; the countless alums that I am fortunate to call friends; the students, parents and grandparents that have filled these halls and classrooms; and the beloved RSCJ who have become more than teachers and mentors.
These relationships have contributed profoundly to my life and have helped to form me. When my parents gave me the gift of a Sacred Heart education, surely they were focused on my faith, academic, and character formation. They could not have anticipated that the ripple effect of these connections would become the most extraordinary gift of all. They are all circles of connection throughout my life, and I could not be more grateful.
