The Society
The Society of Pope Saint Anacletus (The Anacletian Brothers) is a religious order of men and women in the United States. Catholic in tradition and spirituality, but liberated from the traditional reigns and limitations found in the institutional Roman Catholic Church.This order is not in any way connected with the Roman Catholic Church.
catholic, not Catholic
Like the Episcopal and Anglican Churches throughout the world, we too are a catholic organization. The Roman Catholic church considers us “valid, but illicit,” which means we are validly ordained deacons, priests, and bishops, yet illicit as we do not accept the pope as the head of our church. See the Catholic History section of our web page for more details on how we are a vital part of the catholic church on earth.
Pope Saint Anacletus
Pope Anacletus was the third pope of the Holy Roman Church, and had been ordained a priest by Saint Peter. His reign as Pope was from 88-92 AD, when he was martyred. Not much is known about the reign of Pope Anacletus, other than he ordained a great number of priests. He was succeeded by Pope Clement I.
Important Days in the Life of the Society
April 7 - the Memorial of Pope Saint Anacletus;
July 26 - Founding day of the Society;
July 31 - Memorial of Saint Joseph of Arimathea, patron Saint of Funeral Workers;
The Societies Charism
The word Anacletus is from the Greek, and means “one who has been called back.” The Anacletians charism is that for those who are “called back” to the church. Older men and women who are called to the priesthood in addition to their other vocations, they are sometimes referred to as “bivocational.”
Whether the first vocation was having a family, the celibate priesthood in another denomination, or a career, the Anacletians offer a home to all those who are now ready to answer the call to come home to Christ, and “tend His sheep.”
Clerks Regular
The Anacletian Brothers are “clerks regular.” Clerks regular are those bodies of clergy and religious in the Church who by the very nature of their institute unite the perfection of the religious state to the priestly office, i.e. who while being essentially clerics, devoted to the exercise of the ministry in preaching, the administration of the sacraments, the education of youth, and other spiritual and corporal works of mercy, are at the same time religious in the strictest sense of the word, professing solemn vows, and living a life according to a rule solemnly approved by the Father General of the order.
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