To respond to the Lord’s command to “pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (cf. Mt 9:38) by living a life of prayer, promoting the Rogate (prayer for vocations), and serving the poor and abandoned through charity, education, pastoral ministry, and works of mercy inspired by the Heart of Jesus.

The congregation was founded in 1897 in Italy by Servant of God Fr. Hannibal Mary Di Francia (1851–1927), a priest deeply moved by the Lord’s call to pray for and promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life. From its beginnings in Messina and later in Rome, the congregation focused on fostering prayer for vocations, caring for orphans and the poor, and educating youth in the faith. Rooted in Eucharistic and Rogation spirituality, its members lived a balanced life of contemplation and active missionary service.
Over the 20th century the Rogationists expanded beyond Italy into Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, establishing parishes, schools, seminaries, youth centers, and charitable institutions while continuing their dual mission of prayer for vocations and service to the least. They are also known for founding the Daughters of Divine Zeal (F.D.D.), a complementary congregation of women religious, and for works such as orphanages, educational centers, and vocations promotion initiatives worldwide.

✉️ Rogationist Vocations Office (General/International) 📧 vocazioni@rcj.org — General vocation inquiries for the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus (Italy/International)