The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart (PTAA) was founded by Fr. James Cullen S.J. in the Church of Saint Francis Xavier, Gardiner Street, Dublin, on 28 December 1898. Venerable Matt Talbot and now Blessed John Sullivan SJ were early members.
Fr. Cullen (1841-1921) was always concerned with social issues, and his motivation in setting up the Pioneers was to address the enormous damage that he saw excess alcohol was doing in the Ireland of his times. Many workers were heavy drinkers, and alcohol was the greatest drain on the weekly earnings of the family. The Pioneers continues to help to build a society where people live to their full potential and alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation avoiding the ills that arise in society from excess in its use.
The Jesuits have supported the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart (PTAA) and have kept it going throughout much of its 120-year history. From January 2018 onwards, the Jesuit involvement will cease and the PTAA will now operate as a Private Lay Association of the Faithful. The PTAA, as a registered charity, will strive to carry on the good work of the Association throughout the world with the aid of donations from a generous public.
For more information about the Pioneers and this appeal, see www.pioneerassociation.ie