Our History and Charism
A Life Dedicated to Love and Service
Who Was Father Yermo?
Saint José María de Yermo y Parres
Born to Serve
From his earliest years, José María de Yermo y Parres showed a deep sensitivity toward the poor and a strong life of faith. His priestly vocation grew through prayer, discernment, and a desire to lead many souls to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
As a priest, he distinguished himself through his missionary spirit, organizational ability, and, above all, the tenderness of his charity toward children, the abandoned, and those most in need. His love for the poor and his trust in Divine Providence led him to respond courageously to the needs he encountered around him.
The Birth of a Work
December 13, 1885
A Work Born of Love
At Calvary in León, Father Yermo responded to God’s call by placing his life at the service of the poor. On December 13, 1885, four young women chose to remain with him, ready to serve those most in need.
That same day, the first group of poor arrived at the new asylum. What began as a work of charity—without Father Yermo himself imagining that it would become a religious congregation—became the seed of the Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Poor.
Help us continue Father Yermo’s mission of love and service.
Join Us in Serving Those Most in Need
From a Small Seed, a Lasting Legacy
A Legacy That Remains
What began at Calvary as a response of love and service to the poor continued to grow under the protection of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The first Sisters became the seed of an Institute called to live and share the spirit of its Founder: a life devoted to God and to the evangelical service of the poorest and most vulnerable.
Our Charism
The Living Expression of Our Founder’s Spirit
Our charism flows from our configuration to Christ the Servant and Merciful One and is expressed through a spirituality of love and reparation and through evangelical service to the poorest and most vulnerable.
Under the protection of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are called to be God’s merciful presence among humanity, beginning within our own community and extending that mercy to the poor and to all those we encounter along the way.
Always Show Merciful Love
To be God’s merciful presence among humanity.
Following Christ the Servant
To live in the spirit of Christ the Servant and Merciful One through a spirituality of love and reparation.
Service to the Poor
To respond with love to the needs of the poor and vulnerable entrusted to our care.
A Call to Mercy
To Carry in Our Hearts Those Most in Need
She must carry in her heart the needs, ignorance, illnesses, misfortunes, sufferings, and even the faults of the poor, in order to help them.
— Father Yermo
An Identity That Tells Our Story
The Coat of Arms of the House of Yermo
The coat of arms brings together symbols associated with the identity and virtues of the House of Yermo: silver represents purity of lineage; gold, merit; the red crosses, victory; and the oak tree, strength.
Symbols of a Life Given in Service
The Father Yermo Logo
The divided circle or sun represents Christ, the Light of the World, as well as the brokenness of humanity through sin, suffering, poverty, and division. Its movement toward reconciliation reflects the merciful love of the Heart of Jesus, shared with Father Yermo through his service to the poor. The colors, moving from orange to yellow, evoke the light of Christ shining through a life of humility and merciful love. The wheat stalk represents Father Yermo’s life, shaped through suffering and sacrifice to become bread for the poor, while the cross formed by its stem points to Christ. The monogram bears his initials, and “Giant of Charity” recalls the title given to him during the 1888 flood in León, Guanajuato.
Created in 1990, the year of Father Yermo’s Beatification, the logo brings together elements that symbolically represent his life and work: the sun, the wheat stalk, the cross, and the monogram of José María de Yermo y Parres.
Christ, the Light of the World
The circle represents Christ, the light that illuminates the world.
A Life Given in Service
The wheat stalk symbolizes Father Yermo’s life, offered in imitation of Christ.
Love and Sacrifice
The cross expresses suffering and sacrifice offered through love.
“Giant of Charity”
The title surrounding the logo recalls the recognition given to Father Yermo during the 1888 flood in León, Guanajuato.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover more about our spirituality, vocation, and life centered on the Heart of Jesus.
What is the spirituality of the Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Poor?
Our spirituality is rooted in the Heart of Jesus and is expressed through three fundamental dimensions: love, reparation, and service. These shape our consecrated life and our mission to the poor.
What role does the Virgin Mary have in the Congregation?
The Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is recognized as Mother and Queen. She is contemplated as a faithful Servant of God and a model of openness, availability, and surrender to the Holy Spirit.
Why is the Eucharist so important to the Congregation?
The Eucharist is the heart of our community. Through daily participation in the Eucharistic celebration and time spent in adoration, we encounter Christ, receive His strength, and unite our lives to His offering.
Who are the patron saints of the Congregation?
Saint Michael the Archangel is the protector of the Congregation, while Saint Joseph is its advocate for spiritual and temporal needs. Other patrons include Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, Saint Vincent de Paul, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, and Saint Lucy.