The idea of the canonical way of life is very old. It developed in bishops’ houses and in history of the Church.

The historians of the order, almost unanimously trace back the origin of the Canons Regular to the begining of the Church itsel.

Those who believe in the Apostolic origin of the canonical institute, support their contention by the authority of popes, theologians, and church historians. There is abundant evidence, they say, that Christ Himself instituted a perfect religious state. They maintain the institution was embraced by the Apostles and many of their disciples from the very beginning of the Church. It is also certain that from the time of the Apostles there have always been in the Church clerics who, following the example of the first century Christians, lived, “secundum regulam sub sanctis Apostolis constitutam” (according to the Apostolic Rule), and had all things in common.

Eusebius, the historian, relates that St. Mark, the disciple of St. Peter, established this discipline at Alexandria, as did St. Crescentius in Gaul, St. Saturninus in Spain, and St. Maternus in Germany. We know that St. Eusebius introduced it at Vercelli in Italy, and St. Amborse at Milan. Pope Urban I (A.D. 227), Paschal II (1099), Benedict XII (1334), Eugenius IV (1431), Sixtus V, and Pius V in their various Letters and bulls, are quoted by the historians of the order, to prove distinctly that St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, only restored, or caused to re-flourish, the order of Canons Regular, which was first instituted by the Apostles.

In a word, Canons Regular may be considered as the genus, and Augustinian Canons as the species; or we may say that all Augustinian Canons are Canons Regular, but not all Canons Regular are Augustinian Canons.