June 28 is a special day for the congregation. It is on this very date in 1878 that Fr. Dehon realized his deep desire, already present when he was a seminarian, and took his first religious vows in accordance with the rule he himself had written. The ceremony took place in the chapel of the institute in the presence of Msgr. Mathieu, a representative of Bishop Thibaudier. At this important moment Fr. Dehon also had at his side Fr. Rasset.
This day is recognized as the birth of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.