Saint Cajetan, Giampietro Caraffa (later Pope Paul IV), Bonifacio De Colle and Paolo Consiglieri founded the Order of Clerics Regular, Theatine, on September 14, 1524. A precise purpose guided them: to be nothing more than clerics faithfully living the Gospel, adhering to the Holy Canons and living fraternal life in common under the three religious vows. Clement VII gave the appropriate canonical approval to the Order with the papal briefs Exponi Nobis, of 24 June 1524, and Dudum pro parte vestra, of 7 March 1533.

Supported by God’s Providence, they decided to live on the fruits of pastoral ministry and on the gifts spontaneously offered to them by the faithful, forbidden to have annual revenues, or even to ask alms.

Institutionally, the figure of the Father General was established in 1588 and in 1604 our Constitutions were published for the first time.

Institutionally, the figure of the Father General was established in 1588 and in 1604 our Constitutions were published for the first time.

A new dawn for the Theatine Order occurred when in 1909 and 1910, at the will of Pope Saint Pius X, the Sons of the Holy Family, from Catalonia (Spain), and the Congregation of S. Alfonso María de Ligorio, from Mallorca (Spain). In 1916 the Sons of the Holy Family separated and resumed their autonomy. Even so, the Theatine Order crossed the 20th century and reached the beginning of this 21st century with renewed strength.

The Order of clerics regular Theatines presents itself today as a small company that seeks above all the Kingdom of God and his Justice.