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 Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat resided here during her visits to Rome. It has served the mission of the congregation in many ways, as a community and formation house for our sisters, providing various types of educational programs, including a school and a kindergarten, and as a center for the youth of the Trastevere area.

Today, the Villa Lante Religious and Lay Formation Center continues its long history of hospitality by offering new, beautiful spaces to all guests from the wider family of the Sacred Heart or from other organizations and institutions whose activities are in line with our mission and charism.
Individual guests who share the spirituality and mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart are also very welcome.

The mission of the Villa Lante Religious and Lay Formation Center is to provide a meeting place for those who share in its 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 the tradition of educational programs with Sacred Heart schools around the world.