RSHM Podcast

From the WAA Archives | More Than a Thrift Shop

During the 1990s, Sister Maureen Murray, RSHM, helped transform a small thrift shop in Lennox, Los Angeles, into a place of hope, dignity, and opportunity for people experiencing poverty.

Working alongside other sisters and volunteers, she helped provide affordable clothing, furniture, and employment opportunities while creating a welcoming space where people felt valued and supported.

Today, her ministry remains as relevant as ever. Families continue to struggle to meet basic needs, and communities still need places that offer more than material assistance. We need thrift shops, affordable resources, and, most importantly, people like Sister Maureen who recognize the dignity of every person and create opportunities for others to build better lives.

Today, we share an archival recording of Sister Maureen reflecting on her ministry, reminding us that even the simplest acts of service can transform lives.

Travel back to 1988 with this recording from the Religious Education Congress in Anaheim, California, featuring Sister Mary Milligan, RSHM, as she offers a firsthand look at the 1987 Synod on the Laity in Rome.

Having participated in the Synod as one of its theological experts, Sister Mary reflects on the experience of gathering with bishops, lay observers, theologians, and Church leaders from around the world. She explores the growing role of the laity, the participation and gifts of women in the Church, and the diversity of voices and experiences represented at the Synod.

From the RSHM WAA Archives, this recording offers a fascinating glimpse into an important moment in the life of the Church and the conversations about participation, equality, and shared responsibility that continue today.

Pictured below: Sister Mary Milligan, RSHM

On August 20, 1980, during his Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter's Square in Rome, Pope John Paul II welcomed the many groups gathered from around the world. Among those present were the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, who were in Rome preparing for their General Chapter.

Pope John Paul II addressed the RSHM Sisters and offered them his prayer and encouragement as they prepared for this important moment in the life of the Institute.

Today, 46 years later, we remember this meaningful encounter and share the Pope's words and prayer with you.

We are grateful to Vatican Radio for this treasured recording, preserved as part of our history.

Pictured below, from left to right: Sister Mary Milligan, RSHM (Western American Area), who served as General Superior from 1980–1985; Pope John Paul II; Sister Olga Georgina, RSHM (Area of Mozambique); and Sister Maria de Lourdes Machado, RSHM (Area of Brazil), who served as General Superior from 1975–1980.

In this special archival episode, we honor the founding spirit of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary with a reflective and insightful presentation by Sister Kathleen Connell, RSHM, introduced by Sister Mary Genino, RSHM.

Rooted in the 2013 Chapter theme "Called to be Mystics and Prophets for the World" Sr. Kathleen invites listeners to rediscover the courage, vision, and spiritual depth of Fr. Jean Gailhac and the early women who shaped our Institute.

Drawing from the life and vision of Fr. Jean Gailhac, Sister Kathleen Connell, RSHM, leads listeners through a rich exploration of what it means to embody both mysticism and prophetic action in today's world. With wisdom, warmth, and historical insight, she invites us to reconnect with our founding story and to consider how the RSHM mission continues to challenge and inspire us.

This recording serves as a meaningful resource for Sisters, collaborators, and all who seek a deeper understanding of the spiritual and prophetic heritage of the RSHM Institute.

For more information please visit our website www.rshm.org

Sister Kathleen Connell, RSHM.

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"An Hour With Mother Saint John" was created in 2009 by the Ongoing Formation Committee of the Eastern American Province.

This meditation and prayer were created to commemorate 200 years since the birth of Mother Saint John (1809-1869).

Mother Saint John was the Foundress and First Superior of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, 1849-1869.

The Inspiring Journey of Mother Cecilia Rafter

Discover the incredible story of Mother Cecilia Rafter, who helped establish Marymount schools in California and shaped Catholic education in the West.

We are thrilled to bring historical treasures to life through readings and recordings inspired by Sister Cathy Minhoto's research into our rich heritage and captivating excerpts from Mother Rafter's letters. Catherine Collins lends her voice to this endeavor, infusing depth and authenticity into the narrative.

Plus, a fun fact—Mother Cecilia was a lifelong LA Dodgers fan! ⚾💙

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Mother Marie Joseph Butler, RSHM. General Superior 1926 - 1940

Don't miss our latest podcast episode 09, "Mother Joseph Butler: Opening New Doors for the RSHM in America."

Join Sister Cathy Minhoto as she delves into our rich heritage, uncovering captivating excerpts from Mother Butler's letters that illuminate our roots. Inspired by Sister Cathy's research, we are excited to bring these historical treasures to life through readings and recordings.

We're thrilled to pay homage to our pioneering spirit, embarking on a nostalgic journey to our origins. Sister Joan Treacy, RSHM, lends her voice to this endeavor, infusing depth and authenticity into the narrative.

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Episode 08: Our Beginnings in California and Mexico, narrated by Sister Patricia Connor, RSHM.

Welcome to "Our Beginnings in California and Mexico," a podcast that briefly tells the rich history and enduring legacy of the Institute of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary and how they arrived in California. The institute was founded on February 24, 1849, by a group of courageous women who were inspired by Father Jean Gailhac's vision in Béziers, France. They embarked on a mission rooted in service and compassion, led by co-foundress Mother St. Jean. They took on a diverse range of works, including shelters and education, and embodied the spirit of unity amidst their varied endeavors.

Their internationality became a hallmark as they spread their mission globally, eventually establishing roots in the United States in 1877. In the United States, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary started their work in Sag Harbor, New York.

In 1923, sisters were sent to California by Bishop John J. Cantwell to establish Marymount School in Los Angeles. Their work expanded to parochial and secondary education. Responding to contemporary needs and reflecting on their Institute's origins, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary diversified their work.

Their lives continue to be rooted in the gospel, in faith and zeal for Christ's work in this world, and in a strong desire to make God known and loved.

Mother Joseph Butler and Mother Gerard Phelan who came to Los Angeles to open the first Marymount School at 28th Street. in 1923.

To find out more about the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary please visit us at www.rshm.org

On February 24, 2019, In honor of the 170th anniversary of our Founding of the institute of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. The Western American Area celebrated with the Dedication ceremony of the RSHM Memorial Bas Relief at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.

In this episode, Sister Joan Treacy, RSHM, delivers a warm welcomed to the sisters and guests present. Bishop Stephen Blaire blessed the bas relief.

The figures in the bas relief depict some of the ministries of the RSHM over generations, including education and ministry to the poor and marginalized. In the center stands Mary amidst heavenly rays with the moon beneath her feet as she welcomes an elderly Sister into paradise. All the figures touch each other in gestures of faith, love, and solidarity.

The RSHM Memorial Bas Relief was designed by Will Pupa, Artist in resident at the LMU Marymount Institute for Faith, Culture and the Arts.

For more information please visit us at www.rshm.org

Sister Kathleen McHugh, RSHM, shares the story of the closing of Mother Butler Memorial High School in San Jose, California in 1972.

In this episode Sister Mary Leah Plante, R.S.H.M., interviews Sister Kathleen McHugh, R.S.H.M., who served and an educator, counselor, and Business Administrator at Mother Butler Memorial High school from 1967 to 1972. Sr Kathleen was the last Community Representative in finalizing the sale.

In this delightful conversation Sr. Kathleen shares with us the reasons for the closing of the high school, her fond memories of the school and the dedicated parents of the Mothers and Fathers Club.

Sister Kathleen McHugh, RSHM

For more information please visit us at www.rshm.org