Our Presence
Historical Milestones

In 1877, the Sisters obtained authorization to establish themselves in Madrid, initiating the foundation of the Congregation.

In 1880, the Congregation’s statutes were definitively approved.

1st international community - Rome
In 1890, a community was founded in Rome, the first community outside of Spain.

In 1910, they established their first house at Upper Belgrave Street, London, with 15 Sisters and 4 novices. The priority was to learn English.

In 1912, they founded the Novitiate, a Sunday school, and began classes for young people in Leahoe, Hertfordshire.

In 1920, they founded the Boarding School and Novitiate in Englefield Green, Kingswood.

1st community outside Europe - Argentina
In 1911, a community was founded in Buenos Aires, Argentina – the first community outside of Europe.

Between 1933 and 1936, due to political instability and the anti-clerical climate in Spain before the Civil War, the Congregation temporarily transferred some Spanish communities and schools to Portugal, seeking refuge and ensuring the safety of their students.

In 1934, the situation in Spain partially stabilized and the schools returned to their original locations. The Patriarch of Lisbon then requested the Congregation to open a school for Spanish girls, which soon began to welcome Portuguese students as well.

In 1938, after several changes of premises, the school was definitively established on Rua de São Félix, named the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus School. After 78 years of service in education, the Congregation eventually closed the school.

In 1940, after closing the Vila Viçosa community, where the Cádiz school was located, the Sisters settled in Porto. Despite the small size of the house, they offered private lessons, catechesis, and organized three-day Spiritual Exercises.

Collaboration with Catholic schools and move to Regents Park - United Kingdom
In 1929, collaboration with Catholic schools began, notably with the school in Beckenham, Kent.

In 1937, the Sisters moved to Avenue Road, Regents Park, where they opened a residence for foreign students known as “Ancilla Domini.”

In 1955, the Boarding School and Novitiate were founded in Highcliffe-on-Sea, Hampshire.

In 1960, the church in London was built.

Arrival in Ireland
In 1957, the Sisters arrived in Finglas, Dublin. They took responsibility for a retreat house, formed a group of young girls, opened a commercial school, and a diocesan catechist training center.

In 1961, the new primary school Saint Christina’s School was founded, which remains operational today.

In 1970, a boarding school and novitiate were founded in Bournemouth (active until 1980). The Sisters collaborated with the parish, the Jesuit school, and other Catholic schools.

In 1973, the Sisters arrived in Rotherham, Sheffield, where they stayed until 1984.

Arrival in France
In 1965, the first community was founded in Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine (suburbs of Paris).

In 1970, the Sisters took over the existing school at 12 Avenue Bosquet, Paris, belonging to the Marie-Auxiliatrice Congregation. The school was handed over to the Sisters and renamed Institut de l’Alma in 1973.

New missions - Ireland
In 1966, an international residence for students was opened in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, which also became a study house for Handmaids in formation.

In 1971, at the invitation of the Bishop of Dublin, the Sisters took over the primary and secondary school in Stillorgan, renamed Santa Rafaela Maria.

Foundation of student residences - Portugal
In 1966 and 1973, student residences were founded in Lisbon and Tomar, respectively.

In 1980, the Sisters opened a community in the social housing district of Chènevières, collaborating with the parish of Saint-Ouen l’Aumône and accompanying local families.

In 1985, they founded the Raphaëlle-Marie Association, dedicated to promoting activities for children. Although the community closed in 2006, the association remained active, led by Sisters from Paris and Avernes.

In 1986, a community was opened in Avernes, where the Sisters took responsibility for a diocesan spirituality house in Val d’Oise, welcoming groups of young people and adults from the Diocese of Pontoise.

Foundation of Palmela and presence in Paul - Portugal
In 1984, a community of five Sisters settled in Palmela, aiming to build a spirituality house. In the early years, they dedicated themselves to pastoral work in three neighboring parishes.

In 1989, the Santa Rafaela Maria Prayer House was inaugurated and remains in operation.

In 1987, the apostolic center of the parish was activated in Paul, including religious and pedagogical guidance for a kindergarten and parish youth ministry. This mission ended in 1990.

Presence in Scotland - United Kingdom
The Sisters were present in Glasgow, collaborating with the parish and local community schools.

In 1992, the Congregation decided to found a community integrated into the Quinta da Fonte da Prata neighborhood, which hosted many people from different countries seeking better living conditions. In 2010, the Santa Rafaela Maria Foundation was created, which, in collaboration with the resident Sisters’ community, has developed social work in human promotion, non-formal education, and evangelization.

In 2013, with the closure of the Lisbon school, the community moved to an apartment in Travessa do Noronha, near Rato, where pastoral activities are developed.

Formation of the Atlantic Europe Province
In 2014, the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus formed a new province, unifying the provinces of Portugal, England-Ireland, and the communities of France.

Reopening of the Saint-Ouen l’Aumône community - France
In 2024, the community in Chennevières was reopened, continuing the work of the Raphaëlle-Marie Association and collaborating with the Diocese of Pontoise.