The Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus are a Catholic religious congregation of priests and brothers founded by Saint Hannibal Mary di Francia in 1897. Born in 1851, Hannibal's father was a knight, and his mother belonged to an aristocratic family. Ordained a priest in 1878, he resided in the ghetto of Avignone, Italy, where he dedicated himself to the redemption of the poor. In 1882, he established orphanages, not only to provide the children with food and shelter, but to ensure that they were brought up in a moral and religious way. Wanting to do more, he came to appreciate the importance of prayer. The word "rogationist" is from the Latin "rogate," which means "to pray," and he made prayer a significant part of his new congregation. The spirituality of the Congregation of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus comes from Matthew 9:37 and Luke 10:2. Formed in Italy, the Congregation of the Rogationists soon spread to other countries in Europe, the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, India, the Philippines, and Rwanda. The charism of the Rogationists is to care for the poor, and they have been active in orphanages, health centers, nutrition centers, schools for the deaf and dumb, technical schools, scholarship programs for poor children, parishes, and other places. The Rogationist Fathers of the Heart of Jesus are a Catholic Order dedicated to continuing the works of its founder, Saint Hannibal. Rogationist Fathers pray and nurture vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and assist underprivileged children and youth. Another part of the Rogationist Family includes the Daughters of Divine Zeal, which was co-founded by Mother Mary Nazarene Majone, who had entered the newly founded Rogationists at the age of sixteen, along with Father Hannibal Mary di Francia. Members of both institutions take vows of poverty, charity and chastity, as well as a fourth vow, that being to live the Rogate. Both institutions were formally approved in 1926, and Father Hannibal died the following year.
Recommended Resources
Headed and operated by Rogationists on a plot of land in Kidangoor, Angamaly, India, the first step of Heavenly Home Trust is intended to train people on vocations, as well as allowing them to earn a respectable wage and have a safe home above their heads. An introduction to the Rogationists is set forth, along with an overview of the project, elevations, plans, and contacts.
http://www.heavenlyhomesindia.com/
Rogationist Development Office
Established by the United States and Mexico delegation of the Rogationist Fathers for the purpose of raising funds in support of Rogationist missions and works of charity, the Development Office offers prayer cards and religious material for several occasions, the proceeds going to Rogationist missions. A catalog of its products is featured, and purchases may be made online.
http://www.rogationists.org/
Rogazionisti del Cuore de Gesù
The international headquarters of the Congregation of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus offers its content in English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Contacts within the Governo Generale are set forth, along with reports from the Congregation’s missions throughout the world, access to various documents and reports, and downloads. Announcements are published to the site.
http://www.rcj.org/en/
Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia
Highlighting the life of Saint Hannibal, the founder of the Congregation of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus and its two parts, the Rogationist Fathers and the Daughters of Divine Zeal, the site offers a biographical sketch, the text of some of his writings, testimonies from people who were touched by Saint Hannibal, photos of monuments to the saint, and an in-depth biography in English, Italian, and Spanish in Kindle format.
http://www.difrancia.org/
In English, the Antonian Institute of Padua, is a home and school for children in Padua, Italy, and part of the Congregation of Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus. Its history, mission, and sponsors are highlighted, along with the on-site Parish Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd. A profile of the Rogationist Fathers and Rogationist Sisters is provided, along with a monthly newsletter, entitled The Voice.
http://www.rogazionistipadova.it/en/
