[1] It also promotes the vocation of the laity and fosters a greater understanding and love of the Mass.
It was founded by Olivia Taaffe, who had become administrator and secretary for the Irish branch of Archconfraternity of Saint Joseph at Maranville, France.
Harry Browne, and the St. Joseph's Young Priests Society developed thereafter from the interest it received.
[3] Over its existence the Society has helped students from every Irish diocese, Great Britain, Asia, America and Africa.
The Society has branches which meet regularly in many parishes of Ireland,[4] It also hosts an annual pilgrimage to Knock.