The Society for the Propagation of the Faith
Founded in 1822 by Blessed Pauline Marie Jaricot, The Society for the Propagation of the Faith support the proclamation of the Gospel, the building of the Church, and the work and witness of mission priests, religious, and lay pastoral leaders. These missioners provide food, education, pastoral care, and medical care to the most vulnerable communities in the Pope’s missions.
In 19th-century France, the Church was emerging from the intense persecution of the French Revolution. Amid this challenging time, the Holy Spirit inspired a young woman from Lyon: Pauline Marie Jaricot. Once accustomed to a life of comfort, she experienced a deep conversion and dedicated herself entirely to Christ. Pauline gathered a group of young women from the local factories, forming a spiritual association called the Reparatrices. This movement grew into a simple but powerful initiative: a group of ten people, each committed to finding ten others who would pray and contribute one penny a week for the missions. The idea spread rapidly and this grassroots effort was formally established as The Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Recognizing its vital role in the universal mission of the Church, Pope Pius XI declared it a Pontifical Society in 1922.
Pauline believed that every Catholic, through her or his prayer and daily work, could participate in the Church’s missionary mandate. Her prayer circles began as a way to help her beloved France rediscover its faith and transform the world.
Mission of The Society for the Propagation of the Faith
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith exists to awaken the missionary spirit in every believer by fostering both spiritual and material support for spreading the Kingdom of God.
Through mission formation and animation, the Society promotes missionary spirituality by encouraging prayer and sacrifice to rekindle the missionary zeal of individuals and Christian communities. This includes meditating on the Word of God, engaging in Eucharistic Adoration, and praying the World Missionary Rosary.
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith also focuses on global solidarity by supporting the Universal Solidarity Fund for Evangelization, which aids mission churches worldwide. A key moment of participation is World Mission Sunday, observed on the second-to-last Sunday of October, where Catholics worldwide contribute to the missionary work of the Church.
World Mission Sunday
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith plays a crucial role in urging local churches to embrace global missionary cooperation. It is also responsible for distributing the funds collected on World Mission Sunday, held on the second to last Sunday of October. This day of prayer and generous giving is a tangible expression of the Second Vatican Council’s call for all believers to actively participate in the missionary work of the Church.
By joining this effort, Catholics everywhere become part of a global movement to bring Christ to the world’s most remote and impoverished communities. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington participates in World Mission Sunday annually.
Blessed Pauline Jaricot: Foundress
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For more information, contact Maeve Gilheney-Gallagher, Global Solidarity Coordinator.