100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PRIESTS OF THE SACRED HEART IN THE USA

Jenny Drzewiecki • June 21, 2023

2023 is the year when we celebrate the centennial anniversary of the SCJs in the USA. It is a wonderful opportunity to refresh the history and names of those who brought the congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) to our country. St. Martin of Tours parish has its own part of the SCJs history. The SCJs have ministered at our parish for fifty years. However, the SCJs presence in the USA did not begin at St. Martin of Tours in Franklin, WI. The first SCJs presence was established in South Dakota, where the pioneer SCJ missionaries began their ministry to the Lakota People.


The SCJs are also known as Dehonians. Dehonians comes from the name of the founder, Fr. Leo John Dehon, who began this religious congregation in 1878 in France. Dehon built his charism on the spirituality of the Sacred Heart and Jesuit’s discernment. Dehon asked his brothers and priests to leave the sacristies and go out to meet people where they were. He sent his first priests to a local textile factory in Val-des-Bois, and others, to foreign missions in Ecuador and Congo. Dehon was a holy man but also a man of vision and mission. His congregation was attractive and grew fast. Dehonians spread throughout France, and then, moved out to neighboring countries in Europe, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Finland, and Italy. Then, the SCJs moved to Africa, Asia, and South America. At present, the SCJs minister in 40 countries throughout the World. Dehonians moved eventually to the USA one hundred years ago.


The first SCJ who arrived in the USA was Fr. Mathias Fohrman, a Luxembourger priest. He arrived in 1919 but it took time and much effort before the Dehonian presence was stabilized in our country. Fr. Forhman, who is considered the founder of the SCJs in the USA, was invited to South Dakota to serve Native American people. He began his ministry in 1923. Fr. Forhman was soon joined by a bigger group of Dehonian missionaries from Europe.


For the Feast of the Epiphany in 1923, Fr. Fohrman visited Lower Brule, SD and was introduced to the Native American culture. During Palm Sunday on March 25, 1923, Father Fohrman said Mass for the first time at St. Mary’s Church in Lower Brule and the work of the Priests of the Sacred Heart “in service to the mission” began in the United States. The official presence and ministry of the Congregation became a fact and reality. (Claudia M. Duratschek, Builders of God’s Kingdom. The History of the Catholic Church in South Dakota (Chamberlain, SD: Register-Lakota Printing, 1989), 282; see also: Joseph Golden, “Work of Divine Providence” (Cor Unum, November 1951), 10-12).


It is quite significant the day from which the SCJs officially began to count the presence of the SCJs in the USA is that day on March 25, 1923, when Fr. Fohrman celebrated the first Mass in South Dakota. In fact, there were many arguments about which day should be commemorated and written down in the acts (papers) as the day of the beginning of the presence of the Congregation in this country. Wayne Jenkins, SCJ, in his work, We the Congregation in Service to the Mission: Tale of Two Beginnings, provides a detailed history of the US Province, describes the possible beginnings, and dates well. Hence, it is not the day when Fr. Fohrman arrived in America, nor when he arrived in South Dakota, nor when the SCJs decided to establish their first community and bought a house, nor even when the United States was declared as a Province, but instead, it is the day when the SCJs began their ministry among the Lakota people. (Jenkins, We the Congregation, 4-5).


The first Dehonian community spread to other States and missions in the Midwest, Mississippi, Texas, California, and East Coast. It became a large Province in the 70s and 80s. Nowadays, the US Province continues its mission in South Dakota, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Texas, and Florida. We serve parishes and operate schools. We support social service ministries and family

outreach programs. One of our oldest ministries in the United States is St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD., just a short drive from the location of that first Mass. Through Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners, WI, we prepare men from around the world for ordained ministry and serve lay students through our master’s program. And just as the Dehonian presence in the United States was begun by missionary outreach, the US Province is committed to building the Church by supporting missions throughout the world including Vietnam, India, the Philippines, South Africa, DR Congo, and Indonesia. The Province also invited SCJ members from other countries, ethnic groups and cultures to join and support their missions in the USA. As a result, the US Province became intercultural. Over 30% of their members are international today.


As we celebrate the centennial anniversary of the SCJ presence in the USA, I would like to invite St. Martin of Tours community to take part in our jubilee. We will have many opportunities to learn about the SCJs and our missions. Perhaps some of us will have a chance to visit South Dakota in October for the Mission Education trip at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I am grateful for your support and taking an active part of the Dehonian mission at St. Martin of Tours and throughout the country. If you wish to know more about the origin and SCJs history in the USA, please go to our parish website and find a few articles about it.


Fr. Andrzej 

Feast of the Epiphany – Seeing Christ Revealed

By Jenny Drzewiecki • January 4, 2026
The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates God’s great revelation: Jesus Christ is made known not only to Israel, but to all nations. Guided by a star, the Magi set out on a journey of faith, searching for the newborn King. Their pilgrimage reminds us that true faith requires trust, perseverance, and generous hearts. When they encounter the Child, they offer gifts that reveal who Christ is – our King, our God, and our Savior. A beautiful Christian legend speaks of a “fourth Wise Man” named Artaban. Like the Magi, he followed the star, longing to meet Jesus. Yet along the way, he encountered people in great need. Each time, Artaban stopped to help, using the precious gifts he had intended for the Child. Because of these acts of mercy, he never reached Bethlehem in time. Still, he continued his journey, serving the poor and searching for Christ throughout his life. Years later, Artaban finally understands the meaning of his journey. He discovers that every act of love he offered to those in need was, in fact, an encounter with Christ himself. The King he sought was present not only in Bethlehem, but in the suffering, the forgotten, and the poor. This story beautifully echoes the message of Epiphany. The Magi recognized Christ in the Child of Bethlehem; Artaban recognized him in acts of compassion. Both remind us that Christ reveals himself to those who seek him with sincere hearts. As Jesus tells us, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:40). The Epiphany invites us to ask: Where do we recognize Christ today? We may not see a star in the sky, but we can find him in our neighbors, especially those in need. Like the Magi, we are called to seek Christ in faith, and like Artaban, we are called to serve him in love. May this feast help us recognize Christ revealed in Word and Sacrament, and in one another. Happy Epiphany! Fr. Andrzej

Feast of the Epiphany – Seeing Christ Revealed

By Jenny Drzewiecki • December 29, 2025
The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates God’s great revelation: Jesus Christ is made known not only to Israel, but to all nations. Guided by a star, the Magi set out on a journey of faith, searching for the newborn King. Their pilgrimage reminds us that true faith requires trust, perseverance, and generous hearts. When they encounter the Child, they offer gifts that reveal who Christ is – our King, our God, and our Savior. A beautiful Christian legend speaks of a “fourth Wise Man” named Artaban. Like the Magi, he followed the star, longing to meet Jesus. Yet along the way, he encountered people in great need. Each time, Artaban stopped to help, using the precious gifts he had intended for the Child. Because of these acts of mercy, he never reached Bethlehem in time. Still, he continued his journey, serving the poor and searching for Christ throughout his life. Years later, Artaban finally understands the meaning of his journey. He discovers that every act of love he offered to those in need was, in fact, an encounter with Christ himself. The King he sought was present not only in Bethlehem, but in the suffering, the forgotten, and the poor. This story beautifully echoes the message of Epiphany. The Magi recognized Christ in the Child of Bethlehem; Artaban recognized him in acts of compassion. Both remind us that Christ reveals himself to those who seek him with sincere hearts. As Jesus tells us, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:40). The Epiphany invites us to ask: Where do we recognize Christ today? We may not see a star in the sky, but we can find him in our neighbors,especially those in need. Like the Magi, we are called to seek Christ in faith, and like Artaban, we are called to serve him in love. May this feast help us recognize Christ revealed in Word and Sacrament, and in one another.  Happy Epiphany! Fr. Andrzej

Christmas Message – The Gift of Peace

By Jenny Drzewiecki • December 25, 2025
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, our hearts turn once again to the beautiful message the angels proclaimed over Bethlehem: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.” Peace is one of the most precious gifts Christ brings. It is more than the absence of conflict; it is the deep calm that comes from knowing God is with us. In a world that often feels restless and divided, Christmas reminds us that peace begins in the quiet of our hearts – when we welcome the Lord, trust in his love, and allow his light to guide our steps.  Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta often said, “Peace begins with a smile.” Even the smallest gesture of warmth can open a door, soften a heart, or brighten someone’s day. A smile, a kind word, a helping hand, or a moment of sincere attention can become a seed of peace. When we reach out to our neighbor – whether in our family, parish, or community – we allow Christ’s peace to take flesh once again in our world. May this holy season encourage us to be instruments of peace through these simple acts of love. Every effort we make, no matter how small, becomes a reflection of the peace the newborn Savior brings. Christmas Wishes Dear Parishioners, may the newborn Christ bless your homes with his gentle and lasting peace. May he calm every worry, strengthen every bond of love, and fill your days with hope and grace. May your celebrations be joyful, your gatherings warm, and your hearts open to the quiet presence of God who comes to dwell among us. May the peace of Christ – stronger than fear, deeper than sorrow, brighter than darkness – rest upon you and remain with you throughout the Christmas season and into the New Year. And may each smile and every small act of kindness you offer become a blessing that spreads his peace to others. On behalf of the Parish Staff – Merry Christmas and blessings of Peace to all!

Third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday

By Jenny Drzewiecki • December 14, 2025
This Sunday the Church invites us to rejoice. Gaudete means “Rejoice,” and it reminds us that Christmas is near. Even though Advent is a season of quiet preparation, today the liturgy lifts our hearts. The rose candle on the Advent wreath and the brighter liturgical mood are signs of this joy. God is close. His coming brings hope, peace, and spiritual light. The word Gaudete comes from the ancient Entrance Antiphon of the Mass for this day: “Gaudete in Domino semper” – “Rejoice in the Lord always.” It speaks of the spiritual joy that comes from complete trust in God – a joy that cannot be taken away and that brings a lasting peace of heart. Gaudete is a joyful reminder in the middle of Advent that the Lord is near, and our waiting is filled with hope, living faith, and gladness. In today’s Gospel, we meet John the Baptist. He is a strong and humble messenger of Christ. John knows that his mission is not to draw attention to himself, but to point everyone toward Jesus. He prepares the way by calling people to open their hearts and turn back to God. John shows us what real readiness looks like – simple, honest, and faithful. John the Baptist can be an inspiration for each one of us. Like him, we are called to prepare the way for the Lord in our own lives and in our parish community. We do this when we pray, when we forgive, when we care for someone in need, and when we bring peace into our homes. Every small act of goodness makes more room for Christ to come. As we enter this joyful Sunday, let us pause and allow God’s hope to rise within us. Let us rejoice not because everything in life is perfect, but because God is with us. He is coming to bring healing, mercy, and new beginnings.  May this Gaudete Sunday fill our hearts with the joy that only Christ can give, and may we, like John the Baptist, help others to see the Lord who is near. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:4–5). Fr. Andrzej

Advent Reflection

By Jenny Drzewiecki • November 25, 2025
As we enter the season of Advent, the Church invites us to begin again. Advent marks the start of a new liturgical year – a fresh spiritual chapter in which God offers us new opportunities for grace, renewal, and growth. Just as the calendar year gives us January to start anew, the Church gives us Advent as a sacred beginning, a time to reset our hearts and refocus our lives on what truly matters. Advent reminds us that God is always giving us opportunities to grow, to change, and to begin again.  Advent is a season of hope and quiet expectation. It asks us to slow down, to reflect, and to prepare. One important theme of Advent is peace – peace in our hearts, peace in our families, our parish community, and peace in the world. During these weeks, we are encouraged to look at our lives and ask where we need God’s peace. In a world often marked by noise, division, and haste, Advent calls us to become people of peace, open to God’s gentle presence and ready to bring reconciliation where it is needed. At the same time, Advent helps us to prepare for Christmas. We often get busy with shopping, cooking, and planning for the holidays. But Advent reminds us to prepare spiritually as well – to make room for Christ in our lives, to welcome him with renewed faith, and to approach the holidays with a deeper sense of gratitude and purpose. When our hearts are prepared, Christmas becomes more meaningful and joyful. May this Advent be for each of us a new beginning: a time of reflection, a season of peace, and a joyful preparation for the coming of Christ. Let us walk these weeks together as a parish family, ready to welcome the Lord who always comes to make all things new. Blessed Advent! Fr. Andrzej

Thanksgiving Message

By Jenny Drzewiecki • November 25, 2025
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