Father André Coindre
Father André Coindre, who witnessed the chaos of the French Revolution as a child, dedicated his life to helping orphans. He became a priest and envisioned a group dedicated to educating the underprivileged. He collaborated with St. Claudine Thévenet, another survivor of the revolution, who founded a congregation to help poor girls. These efforts laid the foundation for the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.
Father Coindre's dream of helping underprivileged youth came to life in 1818 when he opened an orphanage and trade school for boys. Three years later, in 1821, he admitted the first members to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. However, the growth of the congregation was slow due to the social and political instability in France following the revolution. Coindre also hesitated to establish formal rules, preferring a more flexible approach based on experience. After his sudden death in 1826, his brother took over as Superior General.
Polycarp
After Father Coindre's death, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart struggled under his brother's leadership. In 1840, the Brothers voted for their own Superior General, and Brother Polycarp became the first Brother leader. Under his guidance, the congregation grew significantly, establishing over 70 schools with 400 Brothers by 1859. Brother Polycarp is considered a "Second Founder" for this period of immense growth. The Brothers of the Sacred Heart also expanded internationally, sending missionaries to the United States in 1847. Their mission continues to be inspired by Father Coindre's compassion for abandoned youth, a spirit they strive to carry on today.
The Brothers of the Sacred Heart take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Chastity means devoting themselves to God and expressing love through service. Poverty means living simply and sharing resources, following the example of the early Church. Obedience means following God's will and the leadership of the Church to spread Jesus' love, especially to young people.
Sacred Heart College Gweru believes all people are inherently good and deserve respect, inspired by Christ's love. Their goal is to create a secure and supportive environment where students can develop their full potential, become responsible citizens, and contribute to a better world. They achieve this through a holistic education that addresses students' religious, academic, social, and personal growth. The school fosters a family atmosphere with Christian values, order, discipline, and a commitment to academic excellence.
Sacred Heart College Gweru believes all people are inherently good because they are loved by Christ. Their goal is to create a supportive and secure environment where students can develop their full potential, become responsible citizens, and contribute to a better world. They focus on a holistic education that addresses students' religious, academic, social, and personal growth. This includes fostering Christian values, discipline, a caring atmosphere, and academic excellence.
Being a Sacred Heart Brother requires one to have the desire, the drive and the willingness to follow God. One also has to be single at the age of 18 to be a Brother. Being confirmed and baptised are also part of the requirements. On the academic side, one has to have at least two A-level passes.
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