Clerks Regular of the Mother of God

Roman Catholic order

Also known as: Leonardini, Ordo Clericorum Regularium Matris Dei(Show More)

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June 24, 2026

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The Clerks Regular of the Mother of God, also known as the Leonardini, are a male religious order within the Roman Catholic Church. This order was founded in Lucca, Italy, in 1574 by St. John Leonardi and received papal approval in 1595. As a "clerk regular" order, its members are typically ordained priests who make solemn vows and are engaged in active pastoral roles. The order's primary mission is to serve God and emulate the example of Jesus Christ through their vows and religious rule.12

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St. John Leonardi
…founder of the Roman Catholic Ordo Clericorum Regularium Matris Dei (Clerks Regular of the Mother of God), whose members were commonly called Leonardini. The religious order was distinguished for learning and was originally devoted to combating Protestantism and to promoting the Counter-Reformation.
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…founder of the Roman Catholic Ordo Clericorum Regularium Matris Dei (Clerks Regular of the Mother of God), whose members were commonly called Leonardini. The religious order was distinguished for learning and was originally devoted to combating Protestantism and to promoting the Counter-Reformation.
Read More