Papal approval for Atonement Friars

SOCIETY FOUNDED BY ANGLICAN
THE Society of the Atonement-the " Atonement Friars" or " Graymoor Fathers," founded 52 years ago by an Anglican clergyman who later became a priest-has received the " decree of praise " from the Holy 'Father, giving its constitutions Papal approval.
Hitherto these have rested on diocesan approval.
1 he Society, a branch of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, was founded at Garrison-a village on the Hudson River by the Rev. Lewis Thomas Wattson, who at that time was supervisor of two Anglican communities, one for men and one for women, whose aim .was to promote unity among Christians.
Ten years later, on October 30, 1909, the members of the Society made their corporate submission and became Catholics.
In the following year, the Rev. Lewis Wattson was ordained, and look the name of Fr. Paul James Francis.
'together with the foundress of the women's community, Mother Lailand Mary Francis, he dedicated himself
wholly to the work of Christian reunion.
The Graymoor Friars have become known the world over through the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity. (See page I).
The community now numbers 200, with houses in the United States, Canada and in Rome, as well as several missions in Japan.
The 400 Sisters have houses in the United States, Canada, Italy, Ireland and Wales.