The Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary are a Roman Catholic congregation with origins dating back to the 18th century. The community was founded around 1722 by a group of devout women under the guidance of Pastor Ambrosius Van den Bosch. In 1745, the sisters settled permanently in Berlaar, where they purchased a house behind the church. This location grew into their motherhouse, now situated in the heart of Berlaar.

In 1845, the congregation was officially recognized under the name Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary. Their spirituality is rooted in simplicity, service, and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Mary. Over the years, they became a vital force in Catholic education and healthcare. They established primary schools, a boarding school, a teacher training institute, and a domestic science school, and they were also actively involved in elderly care.