PRETI DI SAN BASILIO. - Toward the end of the 18th century, mons. d'Avieu, archbishop of Vienne, was concerned with preparing young priests to fill the gaps left by the French Revolution.
He entrusted this task to the parish priest of a village near Annonay; but after scarcely two years the candidates, having increased in number and being unable to remain in the small village, were transferred to Annonsy, where the pious initiative became established and began to bear good fruit. The conclusion of the Concordat with Napoleon enabled the work to become consolidated, and in 1822 the priests appointed to it, in order to provide security and life for the foundation, decided to unite in a religious congregation, with the full approval of the higher authorities. In 1837 the Holy See granted the decree of praise and temporarily approved its Constitutions. Its development was highly promising, and new houses were opened in other dioceses of France. In 1852 they moved to Canada, where development was greater. By decree of the S. Congr. dei Religiosi of 14 June 1922, the two provinces of France and Canada were erected into distinct congregations. The Constitutions were definitively approved in 1937. The P. di S. B. devote themselves to the instruction and education of youth and to parish ministry. The Canadian Congregation, with its general house in Toronto, now has 253 members in 12 houses, while the French one has 3 houses and 30 members, with its general house in Viviers.