As we mark this special moment in the life of our Academy, we also join the Church across our nation in celebrating the Consecration of the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, offered by the Bishops of the United States on June 12, 2026, during their annual meeting. This historic act of entrustment prepares our nation spiritually for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, inviting all people to return to the Heart of Christ as the source of mercy, unity, and renewal.
In his homily on June 11, Archbishop William Lori reminded the faithful that:
- The Sacred Heart is a remedy for division, calling us to deeper charity and reconciliation.
- Devotion to the Heart of Jesus strengthens our commitment to human dignity, especially the vulnerable.
- The consecration is not a symbolic gesture but a call to conversion, inviting us to allow Christ’s love to shape our personal lives, our families, and our society.
- The Heart of Jesus is the place where the Church finds courage to evangelize, serve, and hope.
These themes resonate deeply with our mission as Daughters of Divine Charity and as a Hill community nurtured and formed by the Gospel messages of Jesus.
A year ago I was privileged to meet Pope Leo XIV as we the Daughters of Divine Charity gathered in Rome for our General Chapter and our reconsecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to which we were inscribed by our Foundress, Servant of God Mother Franziska Lechner 150 years ago on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our parents, grandparents, families, alumnae and benefactors whose steadfast encouragement and generous financial support sustain our mission and enrich the educational experience of every student. Your partnership ensures that St. Joseph Hill Academy continues to flourish and to form and educate our students who lead with faith, integrity, compassion and to give back in service with joy.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Daughters of Divine Charity, both living and deceased, as well as our dedicated Administration, Dr. Kristin Sherwood, Mr. Lawrence Hansen, the Faculty, Staff, Athletic Directors, the Officers of the SJHA Family Association, Coaches and our many volunteers. Their unwavering commitment to education, along with their support and ongoing prayers, continually guide our students with faith, wisdom, dedication, and a love for Jesus and for one another.
As this school year concludes, we congratulate all our students on their achievements and academic progress. We hold each of you in prayer, asking the Sacred Heart of Jesus to bless your summer, strengthen your families, and guide your steps. May the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and our patron St. Joseph, watch over our graduates and our entire Hill community. Together, let us be “visible signs of God’s Love” in our world.”
Congratulations to all our graduates! Have a safe and enjoyable summer.
With Love, prayer and Gratitude,
Sr. Mary and Sisters
