Religious order founded on January 25, 1816, at Aix, Provence, France, by Saint Charles Joseph Eugene de Mazenod, composed of priests and lay brothers. It was formed to repair the havoc caused by the French Revolution and its principal aim is the instruction and conversion of the poor; missions, retreats, and catechism courses, especially in rural parishes; the direction of seminaries, and the training of priests are its chief duties. In 1841 new fields of labor were opened to the Oblates. They established themselves in England, Canada, the United States, South America, South Africa, Asia, and Western Australia. The general administration was moved from Marseilles to Paris, 1861; the persecutions of 1902 obliged its removal to Liege, 1903, whence it was transferred to Rome, 1905. See also the order's web site.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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