Who Are The Piarist Fathers?

Piarist Mission and Heritage

The Piarist Fathers are a religious order of the Catholic Church founded in the 17th century by St. Joseph Calasanz (1557–1648). From its beginnings, the Order has been dedicated to evangelizing through education, especially by serving children and the poor.

Pietas et Litterae

Piety & Letters

In 1597, St. Joseph Calasanz opened what is recognized as the first free public school in Europe, welcoming children regardless of social or economic background. Through this pioneering work, he affirmed the right of every child to receive an education and responded courageously to the needs of his time.

From its beginnings in Rome, the Order spread rapidly throughout Italy and Central Europe. Today, the Piarists serve the Church in schools, parishes, and missions across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, with more than 1,300 religious continuing the mission of forming young people in faith, knowledge, and virtue.

The Four Vows Of The Piarist Fathers

Poverty
The vow of poverty calls members of the Order to live simply and to place their trust in God rather than in material possessions. By freely renouncing personal ownership, they live in common and share what they have for the good of the community and the mission of the Church. This way of life allows them to remain close to the poor and to serve children and families with generosity and freedom.
Chastity
Through the vow of chastity, religious dedicate their entire lives to God with an undivided heart. This commitment frees them to love and serve all people with pastoral charity, reflecting Christ’s self-giving love. In living this vow, they become spiritual fathers, educators, and witnesses to the joy of a life wholly devoted to the Kingdom of God.
Obedience
The vow of obedience expresses a willingness to listen to God’s will as it is discerned through the Church and the religious community. By placing their gifts and talents at the service of the Order’s mission, members seek to follow Christ, who was obedient to the Father in all things. This vow fosters unity, humility, and a shared dedication to the work entrusted to them.
Education of the Children
Unique to the Piarist tradition, the fourth vow commits members in a special way to the education and evangelization of children and young people, particularly the poor. Inspired by the vision of St. Joseph Calasanz, this promise reflects the conviction that education is both a work of justice and a path to encountering Christ. Through teaching, formation, and pastoral care, the Piarists strive to guide young people toward faith, knowledge, and virtue.