The Great Depression called many Catholics to social action. This included the Society of Saint Edmund, whose members Father Francis Casey and Father John Paro, arrived in Selma, AL in 1937 to work with the African American community. Overwhelmed by the poverty they encountered, Father Casey and Father Paro developed outreach ministries that would serve the essential needs of the community. In addition to establishing St. Elizabeth’s Church, the Society of Saint Edmund opened a hospital, health clinic, school and boys’ club.

The Southern Missions were also an early voice for Civil Rights. Despite their Bishop’s orders not to become involved, Edmundites wrote and spoke out on behalf of desegregation and stood in solidarity with disenfranchised citizens of the Deep South. Father Maurice Ouellet, pastor of St. Elizabeth’s Church, risked his life by preaching for social justice and supporting the efforts of the Civil Rights Movement in Selma.

The Edmundite legacy for social justice still lives on in faith-based ministries such as Edmundite Missions, which works with poor and rural communities in Alabama to provide food, shelter, clothing, education and elder outreach.