UNIVERSAL PRIESTLY ALLIANCE OF THE FRIENDS OF THE SACRED HEART. — An association inspired by Mother Louise-Marguerite Claret de la Touche, who, as is evident from her diary, felt called from 1902 onward to intensify devotion to the Sacred Heart among priests.
The U.P.A. received its definitive approval and practical implementation in Italy through the efforts of Bishop Matteo Filipeffo of Ivrea, who formed its first diocesan group, which for now also serves as the central governing body of the institution. The purpose of the U.P.A. is to unite Catholic priests worldwide in the study and imitation of the Sacred Heart, *Deus caritas est*, “to live the doctrine of infinite love and to make it known and lived by the souls entrusted to them,” so as to achieve, as far as possible, the *ut unum sint* of the Divine Master. All priests and clerical associations, both existing and to be established, that intend to direct their actions—even those not directly spiritual—to the spirit of the alliance may become members.