ALLEANZA SACERDOTALE UNIVERSALE degli AMICI DEL SACRO CUORE. - An association inspired by Mother Luisa-Margherita Claret de la Touche, who, as appears from her diary, felt herself called from 1902 onward to intensify devotion to the S. Cuore among priests.
The A. S. received its definitive approval and practical implementation in Italy through Mons. Matteo Filipello, bishop of Ivrea, who formed its first diocesan group, which for the time being also functions as the central Directorate of the institution. The purpose of the A. is to unite Catholic priests throughout the world in the study and imitation of the S. Cuore, Deus charitas est, “in order to live the doctrine of infinite Love and to make it known and lived by the souls entrusted to them,” so as to bring about, insofar as possible, the sint unum of the Divine Master. All priests and all existing or future associations of the clergy may belong to the A., provided that they intend to inspire their activity, even when not directly spiritual, by the spirit of the association.