Fr. Arnold’s desire, “that the Triune God may live in our hearts and in the hearts of people,” is the cornerstone of our spirituality, as well as the paradigm of our missionary dynamism. Therefore, as we know, the spiritual foundation of the small Mission House in Steyl took place on June 16, 1875. It coincided with the bicentenary of the great apparitions of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in Paray-le-Monial, France (June 16, 1675) and the promulgation of the Consecration to the Sacred Heart for the entire Church by Pius IX (1875). This humble project, with a clear vision, began with the dedication of its first members to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He exhorted that the image be displayed in all our communities, since divine love is the compass of our love for others.

Why was Fr. Arnold so determined to choose the triumph of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the hearts of all? In my opinion, if the divine heart can dwell in our hearts, it can also transform them to become like His own, with its qualities and virtues. This is our challenge and opportunity as missionaries: to evangelize always and now urgently.

Fr. Arnold clearly understood that the Sacred Heart of Jesus constitutes the exemplary cause [exemplaris] of our communion with the eternal Divine Word, since in Him this community is realized in the most perfect way. Therefore, he exhorted us to venerate and love the Holy Spirit, above all, to venerate and love Him especially in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, through whose mediation we receive Him. He made this our ejaculatory prayer: “Before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace, may the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief disappear, and may the Heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all humanity” to achieve conversion, as well as love always in action.

This is precisely what Francis exhorts in his encyclical Dilexit Nos. It is a profound reflection on the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ, which invites believers to rediscover the centrality of the heart in spiritual and social life. Jesus’ gaze, full of attention and love, is presented as a sign of God’s presence in the life of each and every person.

The encyclical invites us to contemplate the Heart of Christ in the gestures and words of the Gospel, where God’s unconditional love for humanity is revealed. Francis highlights Jesus’ closeness, compassion, and tenderness in his encounters with people, especially the neediest, and marginalized. Jesus’ gaze, filled with attention and love, is presented as a sign of God’s presence in the life of every person. The heart is capable of unifying and harmonizing our history. The love of Christ is capable of giving heart to this earth and reinventing love in everything.

The encyclical exhorts us to heal the wounds of the world by building a civilization of love based on justice, peace, and reconciliation. It is in tune with the theme of the 19th SVD General Chapter: “Let your light shine (Mt 5:16),” so that the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief may disappear before the light of the Word and the Spirit of Grace. And may the Heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all. It is the foundation and principle of our existence as missionaries and lay people of the family of St. Arnold. Love is the only language that understands all – St. Joseph Freinademetz.

According to Saint Augustine, the entire message of the Bible is summarized in two commandments: love of God and love of neighbor. Love is the fulfillment of the Law (Rom 13:10), and love is the end of the commandment (1 Tim 1:5). Divine love unites all. Thus, the papal shield of Leo XIV reads: “In Illo Uno Unum.” The teachings of Jesus, St. Augustine, St. Arnold, Francis, and Pope Leo XIV seek the transformation of all in the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the Church and all humanity. May the Heart of Jesus live in all hearts.

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Saju George Aruvelil, SVD is from India. He is one of the first OTP who has gone to Argentina. He finished his theological studies for the priesthood also there. He then began his service in the education field in our SVD institutions. He obtained a licentiate in Spirituality from Pontifical University of Comillas, Madrid. He also holds a doctorate in Theology from the Pontifical University of Argentina, Buenos Aires. He also helps in the formation of laity and religious candidates. He gives retreats and leads workshops, seminars, etc. He has a radio program and writes in a local newspaper. At present he is a promoter of Laudato Si Movement for caring for the Earth together with his parish priestly pastoral activities.