The Consoling Sisters Found a New House in Phoenix
While the Sisters’ mother house is in Vigne di Narni, Italy, their apostolate is expanding to the United States with the founding of a new house in Phoenix, Arizona.
Established in 1961 by Fr. Basilio Rosati, a Passionist priest, the Consoling Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus were entrusted to Fr. Emmanuel du Chalard of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) by Fr. Basilio in 1996.
Growing Vocations in America
By God’s grace, the Consoling Sisters are benefitting from significant growth in vocations, with the United States supplying more of those called than any other country. Indeed, nine American sisters, along with one Canadian, made their first vows in June 2023, meaning that 40% of the congregation is comprised of women hailing originally from the United States.
The choice of locale for their new house was motivated in significant part by the fact that Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Phoenix is the largest SSPX presence in the United States without any religious sisters attached. Given the vibrant and expanding traditional Catholic community in Phoenix, the location presents many opportunities for the sisters to both attract more vocations and provide important assistance to support the Society’s apostolate in the area.
A Promising Future
There are currently five sisters in this new American home: A French superior; one Italian sister; and three Americans. The Consoling Sisters will be charged with teaching and organizing activities for the girls of Our Lady of Sorrows Priory and the school. They will also assist with sacristy tasks, playing the church organ, and singing the Divine Office.
For the time being, the location in Phoenix will not be a house of formation. Providence will dictate what the future holds, but at present candidates for the Consoling Sisters from the United States will still receive their formation at the mother house in Italy.
