Father Leo John Dehon, founder of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, believed in responding to God's love by trying to meet the needs of those around us.

Fr. Leo John Dehon March 14, 1843

• Born in LaChapelle, France
• December 19, 1868: Ordained as a priest, served as First Vatican Council clerk, then appointed to Saint Quentin Parish.
• June 28, 1878: Founded Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJs)
• August 12, 1925: Died in Brussels, Belgium.
• Visit poshusa.org/dehon for more details.

Fr. Henry Hogebach

1923: Fr. Henry Hogebach, SCJ came to the US from Germany. His ministry led him to the Lower Brule Reservation in South Dakota.

• Spring 1927: Fr. Hogebach received permission to purchase the Columbus College campus at Chamberlain, South Dakota for $40,000.
• Fall 1927: Fr. Hogebach opened St. Joseph's Indian School with 53 Lakota boys and girls.

Father Hogebach opened St. Joseph's Indian School in 1927.

In the face of these dismal predictions, Father Hogebach purchased the property. School opened in the fall of 1927 with 53 Lakota (Sioux) boys and girls. In the following years, the school saw many hard times, but through God's grace and Fr. Hogebach's dedication school opened every fall.

Through the gifts from many generous friends, Father Hogebach was able to obtain enough supplies to meet the needs of the children and Benedictine Sisters who worked there.

Much of his time was spent raising funds to keep the school open; donations of clothing, shoes, medication and other supplies were greatly appreciated and well-used ... just as they are today.

Father Hogebach reads with the Lakota (Sioux) children on the steps at St. Joseph's Indian School.

Over 85 years later, St. Joseph’s Indian School serves 200 Lakota boys and girls, providing them with a safe, stable environment that responds to the needs of the whole person.

For more information about St. Joseph's Indian School's history:

Franciscan Sisters »
Significant changes to St. Joseph's Indian School »