Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Society of Saint Gregory Founded in England on Saint Gregory’s day 1929 by Father J. B. McElligott, O.S.B. Composed of persons interested in ecclesiastical music. Its principal aim is to maintain the dignity of the Sacred Liturgy as an instrument of congregational worship, by fulfilling the wishes of Popes Piux X and Pope Pius XI … Continue reading “Society of Saint Gregory”

Society of Saint Francis de Sales Founded for the Christian education of the young by Saint John (Don) Bosco near Turin, Italy in 1844. To combat the atheistic philosophy disseminated by the French Revolution, Don Bosco gathered together young boys, especially the poor, for religious instruction at what were called “Festive Oratories.” The institution of … Continue reading “Society of Saint Francis de Sales”

Society of Saint Edmund Founded under the name Oblates of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Missionaries of Saint Edmund, at Pontigny, France in 1843 by Father Jean Baptiste Muard for the work of missions. The members devote themselves to parochial and educational work, to the direction of pious associations, and … Continue reading “Society of Saint Edmund”

Society of Saint Columban for Missions among the C Also known as the Maynooth Mission to China. Founded in 1916 , at Dalgarn Park, Ireland , by the Right Reverend Edward J. Galvan, Titular Bishop of Myrina and Vicar Apostolic of Hanyang. The mother-house is at Navan, Ireland , and the headquarters of the society … Continue reading “Society of Saint Columban for Missions among the C”

Society of Priests of Saint Sulpice Founded at Paris, France in 1642 by Jean Jacques Olier, for the purpose of providing directors for the seminaries established by him. Alexander Le Ragois de Bretonvilliers, the successor of Olier (1657 to 1676), drew up the constitution of the society and secured its approval. The object of the … Continue reading “Society of Priests of Saint Sulpice”

Society of Our Lady of the Retreat in the Cenacle Founded in 1826 at La Louvesc, France, by Marie Victoire Therese Couderc, under the direction of Father Jean Pierre Terme. Their work consists chiefly of providing spiritual retreats and teaching Christian doctrine. The society has houses of retreats in Belgium, England, France, the Netherlands, Italy, … Continue reading “Society of Our Lady of the Retreat in the Cenacle”

Society of Our Lady of Good Counsel Composed principally of London solicitors and barristers. Its purpose is to render free legal help and advice to the poor. It is placed under the patronage of Saint Thomas More, lord high chancellor of England. Until this society was constituted, 26 April 1926, there was no means in … Continue reading “Society of Our Lady of Good Counsel”

Society of Missionary Catechists An organization designed to meet the needs of the vast mission territories of the Southwest of the United States where priests are few. In these districts the Missionary Catechists prepare the children for the reception of the sacraments, visit the poor and sick in their homes, clothe, and care for the … Continue reading “Society of Missionary Catechists”

Society of Mary, of Paris Religious order founded at Bordeaux, France, in 1817 by Guillaume Joseph Chaminade. The constitutions of this society specify the salvation of its own members as its primary end; its secondary end includes all works of zeal. Christian education especially appeals to its members, who have devoted most of their energies … Continue reading “Society of Mary, of Paris”

Society of Mary (sisters) Founded at Quimper, France , 1678, by Claude Therese de Kermeno, in collaboration with Father Huby, under the title Institute of Retreat, later changed to Ladies of the Retreat. The Sisters follow the Rule of Saint Ignatiuis, uniting active works with the contemplative life, by conducting retreats, educating girls of the … Continue reading “Society of Mary (sisters)”