The congregation was founded by
Niccolò Paccanari in
Rome in 1797 in an attempt to keep alive the
Society of Jesus after
its suppression by the pope. Its first ten members professed their
first vows at the
Oratory of San Francesco Saverio del Caravita on August 15, 1797. On April 12, 1798, Paccanari appeared before
Pope Pius VI to obtain his approval for the congregation, which the pope gave. However, the pope instructed Paccanari that the Society of the Faith of Jesus merge with the other incipient, Jesuit offshoot, the
Institute of Priests of the Heart of Jesus. Paccanari agreed to this and the two congregations merged on April 18, 1799, with Paccanari being elected as the new group's superior. Its members established ministries in Italy, France, and Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and England. The congregation disbanded after
Pope Pius VII lifted the order suppressing the Jesuits in 1814, restoring the Society of Jesus. == Notable members ==