Mother Clelia Merloni was attracted to the poor who suffered greatly during the Industrial Revolution in northern Italy.
Asking for a blessing from the bishop of Como in Italy, Mother Clelia stated that she and the sisters wanted to:
"Dedicate themselves to active religious life, bringing together poor orphans and abandoned disadvantaged girls." 
While many of the modern challenges of today differ from those of Clelia’s time, some are very similar. People today need the charity, mercy and reparation that Mother Clelia had in her heart and that she shared with her daughters in religion.
Over time, new challenges face communities: the fast pace of life, the lack of family support, ethical issues in science and technology, political unrest, etc.. Still, our basic needs have not changed: physical and spiritual hunger, a quest for a meaningful life, and the need for love and appreciation.
As the Spirit directs and inspires, the Apostles desire to respond openly to the present and future needs of the Church with courage and foresight, following the example of Mother Clelia. By the profession of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience, the Apostle follows Christ with the total gift of her heart, mind, and spirit. By her consecration, she witnesses to the present wonder of God's redeeming love and to the future glory of the Kingdom that is promised.
Mother Clelia Merloni identified the spirit of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus when she said: "The Apostle should have no other purpose but the glory of the Heart of Jesus." Therefore, the Apostles are united in sharing the love of the Heart of Jesus. Devotion to the Heart of Jesus is the source of each sister's spirituality, the richness of her inner life and the unifying bond of her community life.
While serving in various ministries, each community meets daily to pray, to share meals and to relax with one another. The rhythm of the day is marked by:
