Who we are
We are a Religious Order founded by Saint Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648) in the 17th century, committed to the apostolate of the education of children and the youth, preferably poor, to whom we are ordained by taking a fourth special vow.
In 1948, Saint Joseph Calasanz, who was proclaimed “Universal Patron of All Catholic Schools in the world” by Pope Pius XII, is renowned for opening “the first popular free public school in Europe” (Von Pastor). He proclaimed the right to education for all children and he fought for this; he was a victim of persecution for this reason. But at the same time, he achieved excellent results since he was taking up the challenges and coming up to the expectations of his time.
In 1617 the Pauline Congregation of Clerks Regular Poor of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools was founded (the name ‘pauline’ comes from Pope Paul V who approved it, and it was made a Religious Order by Gregory XV in 1621, under the current name).
It soon spread in Italy and Central Europe. It is currently present in 4 continents (Europe, Asia, Africa and America). We are more than 1.300 religious
For more than four centuries, we, the Piarists, together with others, have represented an important reference in the field of education, and today like yesterday, we take to heart the education of children, above all the ones who are in need the most, as well as the dreams and aspirations of the youth. We are not alone in this mission that we share with more than 100.000 lay people and other male and female congregations constituting the big Calasanzian family.
