Christian Cyclopedia

(Theatine Fathers; Cong. of Clerics Regular). Founded 1524 Rome by Cajetan* of Thiene and others, including G. P. Caraffa (see Paul IV), first superior of the group, who had been bp. Chieti, It. (Lat. Teate, or Theate; hence the name Theatines); purpose: to elevate clerical and lay morality and combat Lutheranism; known for miss. work. See also Christian Church, History of the, III 9; Counter Reformation, 6; Somascha, Order of Clerks Regular of.