What is "rogationists"

The Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus also referred to as Rogazionisti Del Cuore Di Gesu in Italian (RCJ) is a religious congregation of priests and brothers founded by St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia (1851-1927) in May 16, 1897. The word "rogationist" comes from the Latin "rogate" which means "pray". The spirituality of the congregation is centered on the words of Jesus Christ in the Gospel:

"The harvest is rich but the workers are few. Pray, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that He may send workers into His harvest." (Mt.9:37-38/Lk.10:2)

Hence, they carry out the mission of:

praying for vocations to the priestly and consecrated life in the Church and propagating this prayer worldwide. caring and promoting the human and spiritual welfare of orphans, needy children and the poor.

The Congregation of the Rogationists originated in Italy and spread to several other countries in Europe, United States, Brazil, Argentina, Rwanda, India and the Philippines. In the United States the Rogationists established their first community in 1967 assuming parish work in Mendota, California. At present, there are three Rogationist communities in California. Their houses are in Sanger, Van Nuys and in Camarillo.