Founded at Lyons, France in 1808, by Father Jean Baptiste Rauzan. Dispersed by Napoleon I; reconstituted at Paris, France in 1814 under the title Priests of the Missions of France. Dispersed again in 1830; re-established as a new society of Fathers of Mercy, approved and affiliated to the Congregation for Propaganda in 1834; Constitutions approved in 1908. The Fathers embrace all works of apostolic zeal as auxiliaries of the secular clergy under episcopal jurisdiction. They conduct missions and have charge of both French and English-speaking parishes in America. The mode of life is, in general, that of secular priests. The Society is now established in France, Italy, Belgium, and the United States. The mother-house is at Paris. A procure and House of Studies is at Rome. Saint Joseph's Novitiate is at Oregon, near Peekskill, New York.