History of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart College Gweru is a Catholic school founded by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in 1821. The school's mission is to educate young people based on Christian values and help them reach their full potential. They believe everyone deserves respect and has the potential for good. Their goal is to create a community where students can grow in confidence and contribute to a better world.
The Establishment of the Brothers
Father Coindre's dream of helping underprivileged youth came to life in 1818 when he opened an orphanage and trade school for boys. Three years later, in 1821, he admitted the first members to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. However, the growth of the congregation was slow due to the social and political instability in France following the revolution. Coindre also hesitated to establish formal rules, preferring a more flexible approach based on experience. After his sudden death in 1826, his brother took over as Superior General.
The Congregation Takes Root
After Father Coindre's death, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart struggled under his brother's leadership. In 1840, the Brothers voted for their own Superior General, and Brother Polycarp became the first Brother leader. Under his guidance, the congregation grew significantly, establishing over 70 schools with 400 Brothers by 1859. Brother Polycarp is considered a "Second Founder" for this period of immense growth. The Brothers of the Sacred Heart also expanded internationally, sending missionaries to the United States in 1847. Their mission continues to be inspired by Father Coindre's compassion for abandoned youth, a spirit they strive to carry on today.
Expansion to Africa and Zimbabwe
Their arrival in Zimbabwe during this period marked a decisive moment in the congregation’s African presence. Among their earliest mission engagements were Rutenga Mission in Masvingo Province and Loreto Mission, where throughout the 1960s the Brothers dedicated themselves to rural and mission-based education, catechesis, teacher formation, and community upliftment, emphasizing holistic formation that integrated academic instruction, Christian values, and practical life skills. Building on this strong mission foundation, the Brothers established Sacred Heart College, Gweru, in 2020, which emerged as their flagship institution in Zimbabwe, gaining national recognition for academic excellence, discipline, leadership formation, and strong sporting and cultural traditions.
By the late 20th century and early 2000s, the ESA Province became increasingly African-led, placing strong emphasis on the formation of local vocations, the localization of leadership, and inter-country collaboration among member nations. Today, the East and Southern Africa Province unites Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Zambia, Kenya, and Uganda under a single provincial governance structure, enabling the Brothers of the Sacred Heart to share resources, coordinate formation programs, and sustain their mission of Catholic education and youth formation across Eastern and Southern Africa, firmly rooted in the enduring spirituality and charism of the Sacred Heart.