Who we are

The 16th-century Villa Lante in Trastevere is one of the most historically significant buildings of the Society of the Sacred Heart.

It has been part of the Society since 1837, when it became the Roman headquarters of the Society of the Sacred Heart. The foundress Sainte Madeleine Sophie Barat stayed here during her visits to Rome. During this time, it has served the mission of the congregation in many ways, such as a community house for our sisters, providing various types of educational programs including a school, a kindergarten and as a center for the youth of the local community of the Trastevere area.

The Villa Lante Religious and Lay Formation Center continues its history of hospitality by offering today a new, beautiful space to all guests from the greater family of the Sacred Heart or from other organizations and institutions that have an activity in line with our mission and our charism.

The mission of the Religious and Lay Formation Center of the Society of the Sacred Heart is to provide a meeting place for those who share the mission of educating, learning and collaborating in the goals related to spiritual renewal, education and justice, peace and integrity of creation (JPIC). We are open to partnerships and programs committed to educational work through the empowerment of people.

We are excited to welcome new friends and celebrate the diversity of experiences of those with whom the Society collaborates. We look forward to continuing in the tradition of active educational programs around the world in our schools.