SACRA CONGREGATIO PRO GENTIUM EVANGELIZATIONE

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1 SACRA CONGREGATIO PRO GENTIUM EVANGELIZATIONE On the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Decree AD GENTES on the missionary activity of the Church and celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Encyclical Letter REDEMPTORIS MISSIO by the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II regarding the permanent validity of the missionary mandate, I am pleased to present the STATUTE of the PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES After the final approval of the STATUTES of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) by His Holiness John Paul II on 26th June 1980, the updating which was required every five years lasted for over twenty five years. During this period, following the instructions of the Supreme Pontiff, a number of studies were carried out by experts of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples (CEP) and work was conducted by several commissions of missiologists as well as National Directors of the PMS. Various factors contributed to the extension of this period of updating: the new Code of Canon Law (25th January 1983); the Encyclical Letter Redemptoris Missio (7th December 1990); publication of the Instruction of the CEP Cooperatio Missionalis (1st October 1998), which introduced new operational structures; and rapid changes in the socio-political and religious circumstances in mission territories as well as the direct engagement of Churches and laity in the missionary field. In this new context which is in continuous renewal, the PMS have seen a reconfirmation of their position within the Church, following the instructions of the Second Vatican Council: These Societies should be given the first place... (AG 38). They remain faithful to their charism of missionary animation and cooperation at every ecclesial level and in every ecclesial state: This must be our motto: All the Churches united for the conversion of the whole world. (RM 84) Because they are under the auspices of the Pope and of the College of Bishops,... in the exercise of their activities these Societies depend at the worldwide level on the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples; at the local level they depend on the Episcopal Conferences and the bishops of individual Churches, in collaboration with existing promotional centres. The Societies bring to the Catholic world that spirit of universality and of service to the Church s mission, without which authentic cooperation does not exist (RM 84). It was therefore a primary obligation to draw up this STATUTE. This task took three years and required committed work of National Directors during two Annual Assemblies (2003, 2004), as well as the collaboration of Bishops and National Directors, representing five continents, in two Special Assemblies. The final draft of the document has been divided into two parts: I. History and Doctrine; II Norms.

2 The text of the STATUTE, after a thorough examination and approval by a Plenary session of the members of the CEP, in compliance with the desire of His Holiness John Paul II, was signed by myself on the occasion of the Annual Assembly of the PMS, held exceptionally in Lyon, on the occasion of the opening of the renovated house of Pauline Marie Jaricot, on 6th May It is my wish that the updated norms will contribute to giving new impetus to those who, with a special commitment, dedicate themselves to missionary animation and cooperation within the Church. This STATUTE will enter into force on 26th June 2005, on the 25th Anniversary of its final approval by John Paul II. Office of the CEP, 2nd June 2005 First year of the Pontificate of His Holiness Benedict XVI Crescenzio Cardinal SEPE Prefect Henryk Hoser SAC Adjunct Secretary President PMS 15 August

3 PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES STATUTE I. HISTORY AND DOCTRINE FOUNDATION OF THE MISSION AD GENTES 1 The Church on earth is by its very nature missionary since, according to the plan of God the Father, it has its origin in the mission of the Son and the Holy Spirit. 1 As such, missionary commitment is essential for the Christian community. Through such commitment, Christians are educated and formed for mission; it confers on each of the baptised the spiritual dynamism to gather in communion around Christ and participate in his mission. 2 As the work of God in human history, mission is not simply an instrument, but an event, which makes everyone available to the Gospel and the Spirit. 2 Mission always has as its foundation, centre and summit of its dynamism the clear proclamation that only in Jesus Christ salvation is offered to all people, as a gift of God s grace and mercy. 3 3 The missionary commitment of the Church is practised through witness of life; the proclamation of the Gospel; the establishment of local Churches and their work of inculturation; through interreligious dialogue; the formation of conscience to put into practice the directives of Christian social doctrine; reaching out to the marginalised; and the concrete service of love. THE PRESENT RELEVANCE OF THE MISSION AD GENTES 4 Recognising the urgent character of mission, Pope John Paul II declared the present relevance of the mission ad gentes and prophetically looked forward to its fruits: I see the dawning of a new missionary age, which will become a radiant day bearing an abundant harvest, if all Christians, missionaries and young Churches in particular, respond with generosity and holiness to the calls and challenges of our time. 4 History confirms the truthfulness of the statement that faith is strengthened when it is given to others. 5 There has been an increase of local Churches with their own bishops, clergy and workers in the apostolate. The presence of Christian communities is more evident in the life of nations, and communion between the Churches has led to a lively exchange of spiritual benefits and gifts. The commitment of the laity to the work of evangelisation is changing ecclesial life, while particular Churches are more willing to meet with members of other Christian Churches and other religions, and to enter into dialogue and cooperation with them. Above all, there is a new awareness that missionary activity is a matter for all Christians, for all dioceses and parishes, Church institutions and associations. 6 The Church s mission is wider than the communion among Churches 7 and this conviction leads the Churches to direct their communion towards missionary activity. 1 Vatican Ecumenical Council II Decree Ad Gentes 2 2 Cf Mk Paul VI Encyclical Evangelii Nuntiandi 27 4 John Paul II Encyclical Redemptoris Missio 92 5 Redemptoris Missio 2 6 Redemptoris Missio 2 7 Redemptoris Missio August

4 5 These positive results are even more precious because they emerged from contexts that have seen new difficulties added to old: from a more broadly spread secularised mentality, to that of questions regarding the salvific value of non-christian religions; from the difficulty of a mistaken respect for consciences, which would negate the need for conversion, to the difficulty raised by the idea that human promotion is considered as the final goal of human endeavour. The intermingling of new geographical, cultural and social categories, characteristic of globalisation, requires that attention be given to new sectors in which the Gospel must be proclaimed. 8 These include urbanisation and massive growth of cities, increasing new phenomena of poverty without precedence, migration, youth, culture, research, social communications and international relations. 9 FROM THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH TO THE MISSIONARY COOPERATION OF ALL THE BAPTIZED 6 The sending ad gentes of the Church involves the collaboration of all believers: As the Father has sent me, so I have sent you. 10 The participation of ecclesial communities and individual believers in the fulfilment of this divine plan is called missionary cooperation. 11 This is why the Church is pleased that together with the Congregations and the Institutes traditionally devoted to the mission ad gentes, today new agents and forms of promotion of evangelisation are springing up: diocesan priests and other clerics, laity, voluntary associations and families, professional groupings, twinnings, and the exchange of personnel and pastoral experience. 7 All these new agents of evangelisation should be supported and none of them should be impeded in carrying out this inter-exchange of ecclesial charity and missionary dynamism. 12 Therefore they shall be embedded in a context of communion and solidarity within which they operate or are inserted and of which the Church is the guarantor. From their communion in diversity stems not only a more effective mutual collaboration, but also a true ecclesial family, which is the authentic and fundamental substance and basis for mission. This new sensitivity brings with it also the initiatives aimed at providing information on missionary problems as well as those devoted to the formation of a more consistent mentality and praxis of life on the collective and personal level. 8 In order to encourage, support and coordinate communion among all the agents of mission, various ecclesial bodies were established: commissions and offices promoted by Episcopal Conferences, coordination among missionary Institutes, foundations for scientific research and investigation, and other organizations in mission areas. In this context, the Second Vatican Council not only recognised that the Episcopal College has responsibility for the universal mission, but it also entrusted to the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples (CEP) the task of directing and coordinating the missionary work and missionary cooperation throughout the world. 13 In order to further this cooperation, the Congregation chiefly (praesertim) uses the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), namely the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Society of Saint Peter the Apostle, the Society of Holy Childhood and the Pontifical Missionary Union of the Clergy. 14 Therefore, in the work of missionary formation and cooperation the first place 15 and the leading role 16 should be given to the Pontifical Mission Societies. 8 Redemptoris Missio 37 c 9 Cf Redemptoris Missio Jn Congregation for Evangelisation of Poples Instruction Cooperatio Missionalis 1st October 1998 n 2 12 Cooperatio Missionalis 2 13 Ad Gentes John Paul II Cost Ap Pastor Bonus Ad Gentes Redemptoris Missio August

5 THE ORIGIN OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 9 The grace of missionary renewal has always helped the Church to broaden the realm of faith and charity to the ends of the earth. In the rich context of the piety of the XIX century, the ways of proclamation found a new dynamism thanks to some individuals, who, urged on by Christ s love for humanity 17 and supported by a strong spirituality of continuous prayer, succeeded in living their dedication to mission to such an extent that it is now considered as God s gift to the Church. It is important to recall their names: Pauline Marie Jaricot ( ), the foundress of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith; Charles Auguste Marie de Forbin-Janson ( ), bishop of Nancy, founder of the Society of Holy Childhood; Jeanne Bigard ( ) who, together with her mother Stephanie, gave life to the Society of Saint Peter the Apostle; the Blessed Father Paolo Manna ( ), a missionary and the founder and animator of the Missionary Union of Clergy. 10 The charismatic origin of the Pontifical Mission Societies has been evident since the beginning, in the inspiration of its founders and the vision of faith of their first co-workers. In Lyon on 3rd May 1822 the president of various missionary groups declared clearly to their representatives gathered there: We are Catholics and we must establish something that is Catholic, that is universal. We should not assist this or that mission, but all the missions of the world. 18 The history of the individual Societies has subsequently confirmed their charismatic origin. Rising spontaneously from the People of God as private apostolic initiatives of laity, they transformed the adherence of the faithful to Christ into a lived and shared missionary responsibility. Becoming part of various local Churches, the Societies subsequently assumed a supra-national character and eventually were recognised as Pontifical and placed in direct relationship with the Holy See. THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES IN THE RENEWED ECCLESIAL AND SOCIAL CONTEXTS 11 Among the changes which, after the second Vatican Council, have motivated the Pontifical Mission Societies to re-define their own role, it is necessary to point out the new discovery of missionary leadership of particular Churches and the emergence of new missionary agents. These changes also helped the PMS in the drafting of richer spiritual and formative programmes for laity and emphasising the dimension of service proper to ecclesiastical structures. The Pontifical Mission Societies have responded to the need, perceived throughout the whole missionary context, to propose credible forms of missionary animation and cooperation within the new situations arising out of the collapse of old ideologies and the arrival of the phenomenon of globalisation. 19 THE NATURE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 12 As a gift of the Spirit to the Church and the fruit of the missionary zeal of its founders, the Pontifical Mission Societies have always encouraged the participation of all the faithful in the apostolic life of the Church. As ecclesial institutions, they were entrusted to the direction of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, upon which they depend; this body oversees 17 Cf 2Cor Christiani J Servel Marie Pauline Jaricot Editions du Chalet Lyon 1964 p Cf Redemptoris Missio August

6 their coordination for their greater effectiveness and true universality. They should be present and operative in every particular Church whether of ancient or new foundation, 20 and should be recognised as the official organ 21 for missionary cooperation of all the Churches and all Christians. These Societies rightly have the first place 22 in missionary cooperation, as they are a precious instrument by which Catholics are imbued from infancy with a truly universal and missionary spirit and also a means for instigating an effective collection of funds for all the missions, each according to its needs. 23 The Pontifical Mission Societies are therefore proposed to all Christians as privileged instruments of the Episcopal College united with the Successor of Peter and with him responsible for the People of God who are, themselves, entirely missionary Each Society, in its own unique way, puts into concrete reality the common call to promote the missionary spirit within the People of God. The Society for the Propagation of the Faith aims at forming a Catholic conscience in the faithful combining a complete docility to the Spirit with an apostolic commitment of outreach to the world. It also cooperates in the formation of specific missionary animators who are working in particular Churches, to enhance a more adequate participation of the latter in the worldwide mission. It pays special attention to the missionary formation of youth and to the missionary dimension of the family. One of the most beautiful fruits of this Society is World Mission Day, 25 established by the Sacred Congregation of Rites on 14th April 1926 and set for the penultimate Sunday of the month of October. The Society of Saint Peter the Apostle has the primary objective of supporting the importance of the apostolic element in mission and the necessity for each Church to form, within the spiritual and local cultural contexts, its own religious personnel and in particular, its own ordained ministers. The support promoted by this Society is not purely economic, but is rooted in prayer and in a life inspired by faith. The Society of Holy Childhood or Missionary Children owes its name to the desire of entrusting the Society to the protection of the Child Jesus. Convinced that children can be a spiritual and social force for a real transformation of the world, this Society aims at creating a movement of Christian children committed to helping other children. The Society maintains its original missionary character and also includes a commitment to denouncing and condemning the causes of various forms of violence suffered by children throughout the world; it contributes towards practical initiatives of assistance. This commitment is all the more effective if carried out in close cooperation with local Churches and in harmony with families, parishes and schools. The Missionary Union of Clergy, anticipating and preparing the ground for the later teaching of the Magisterium on the universal missionary dimension of priestly life, 26 sets itself out to reawaken apostolic zeal among its members and, through them, in all Christian people. The Union cooperates by the increase of missionary vocations and by a better distribution of clergy; this 20 Cooperatio Missionalis 5; CIC can 791 n 2 21 Cf Pastor Bonus Ad Gentes Ad Gentes Letter of Paul VI to Cardinal Alessandro Renard Archbishop of Lyon on the occasion of the International Missionary Congress 22nd October Redemptoris Missio Cf Vatican Ecumenical Council II Decree Presbyterorum Ordinis August

7 thereby highlights the value of cooperation among Churches. It animates the People of God by making clear their missionary duty; it is a spiritual force aimed at the conversion of the world. 14 Recognising that the responsibility for worldwide mission belongs to each baptised person, the laity from the very outset have played an important role in the activity and direction of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The demand of mission calls for a re-launch and appreciation of their participation in this field, at diocesan, national and international levels. PONTIFICAL, EPISCOPAL AND AUTONOMOUS CHARACTER OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 15 The Mission Societies were recognised as Pontifical after they became deeply rooted and acquired an international character. This recognition was awarded to the first three Societies Propagation of the Faith, Saint Peter the Apostle and Holy Childhood on 3rd May 1922 with the Motu Proprio Romanorum Pontificum of Pius XI. The Missionary Union of Clergy became Pontifical with the Decree of Pius XII on 28th October This recognition is a guarantee of the full ecclesiastical status of the Societies, promoting their spread throughout the Church and ensuring a more coherent structure. 16 In a special way, the Pontifical Mission Societies are at the service of the Roman Pontiff, head of the College of Bishops and the foundation and sign of the unity and universality of the Church. By virtue of his ministry, the Supreme Pastor knows and feels more than anyone else the pressing needs of each Church. He has the duty of reminding the other Pastors of their worldwide missionary responsibility, and invites them to participate in a common effort with him for the evangelisation of the world. 27 The Societies are entrusted by the Holy Father to the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, 28 and following its guidelines they develop their own planning and collaboration at various levels of responsibility, in accordance with the Church s ministry of worldwide evangelisation. 17 While they belong to the Pope, they belong also to the whole Episcopate and to the whole People of God. 29 For this reason the Pontifical Societies are and continue to be also Episcopal Societies, rooted in the life of the particular Churches. 30 Promoted by the Bishops at diocesan and national levels, these Societies rightly depend on them, within the sphere of their competency, whilst taking into account their pontifical character and in full respect of their Statute. The episcopal character of their ecclesial service gives to the Societies yet another important reason for their service to the benefit of the mission. In fact, for each diocese these Societies constitute a specific, privileged and principle means of education in the worldwide missionary spirit, as well as for inter-ecclesial communion and collaboration in the service of the proclamation of the Gospel. 18 The historical granting of pontifical and episcopal character to the Societies, born from the zeal of laywomen and priests who were passionate about the mission, does not diminish the autonomy of the Societies; rather it broadens, strengthens and guarantees its exercise. The autonomy of the Societies consists in maintaining their identity and their aims Cf Christus Dominus Cf Pastor Bonus Paul VI Message for the 1968 World Missions Day; Cooperatio Missionalis 4 30 Cf Redemptoris Missio Cf Cooperatio Missionalis 6 15 August

8 THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 19 Among many forms of service to the mission, the Pontifical Mission Societies have always had as their main objective the support of evangelisation in the strict sense. Whilst not excluding involvement in such areas as human promotion and development and in collaboration with Catholic bodies and associations devoted to social and health assistance, the Societies maintain that the best service we can offer to our brothers and sisters is evangelisation, which helps them to live and act as children of God, sets them free from injustices and assists their overall development. 32 Through a fund of solidarity (cf. Art. 61), the Pontifical Mission Societies give priority to assisting those Churches in difficult situations and with greater needs. In a respectful manner, they assist them to tackle their basic pastoral and missionary needs in view of their gradual autonomy, bringing them to a position of responding in turn to the needs of others. 33 FUNDS OF UNIVERSAL SOLIDARITY 20 The common concern for the missionary needs of the whole Church and each particular Church, have transformed the Pontifical Mission Societies into an expression of communion and universal solidarity. In their work of spreading awareness they must explain to the faithful and their pastors the priority of the universal character of missionary cooperation. They collaborate with the Bishops so that particular initiatives do not prejudice the common commitment towards the evangelisation of peoples. To that end, the first three Societies Propagation of the Faith, Saint Peter the Apostle and Holy Childhood each manage their own solidarity fund, capable of supporting assistance programmes worldwide, avoiding every kind of favouritism and discrimination. The most important of these funds is the universal solidarity fund (cf. Art. 10f), promoted and managed by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. This Society manages the offerings received, especially during the World Mission Day, for the benefit of all initiatives of missionary cooperation. The Pontifical Mission Societies annually plan this mutual and fraternal assistance, keeping in mind the needs of all the Churches, the emerging priorities as well as the guidelines of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and whatever indications are given by the appropriate Episcopal Conferences. National Offices establish and allocate these funds in compliance with the civil law of the countries in which they are based. THE INSTRUMENTS AND MEANS OF MISSIONARY COOPERATION OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES 21 Missionary cooperation, rooted in the Christian and ecclesial life, and promoted by the Pontifical Mission Societies, concerns not only particular moments in the life of a Christian, but their whole individual and collective life. The faithful can either join by membership of an association that exists in a particular Society or by participation in initiatives for promotion and support characteristic of the universal missionary cooperation. The essential basis for such missionary cooperation lies in a profound and intense labour of animation and formation. This is indispensable so that all the faithful can have a lively awareness of their responsibility before the 32 Redemptoris Missio Cf Redemptoris Missio August

9 world, cultivate in themselves a truly Catholic spirit and direct their strengths for the work of evangelisation Moreover, missionary cooperation finds in the Pontifical Mission Societies a strong organisational instrument which is capable of supporting individual and collective dynamism through formation programmes. These are aimed at information, celebration and solidarity. Thus it inspires a more solid vocational growth and orientation 35 and calls for the sharing of the proper charisms of the Church and Christians. To reach these goals, the Pontifical Mission Societies disseminate information concerning the life and the needs of the worldwide mission. They prompt mutual prayer between particular Churches and strive to enhance a reciprocal exchange of personnel and material resources. To the various initiatives, brought to life throughout their history, the Pontifical Mission Societies continuously add other praiseworthy forms of animation, formation and cooperation, following the inspirations of the Spirit and the needs of new missionary situations Cf Ad Gentes Cf Redemptoris Missio Cf Redemptoris Missio August

10 II NORMS TITLE I THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES Because they are under the auspices of the Pope and of the College of Bishops, these Societies, also within the boundaries of the particular Churches, rightly have the first place, since they are the means by which Catholics from their very infancy are imbued with a genuinely universal and missionary spirit; they are also the means which ensure an effective collection of resources for the good of all the missions, in accordance with the needs of each one (AG 38). 37 Chapter 1 The Pontifical Mission Societies Art 1 The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) are: the Pontifical Mission Society for the Propagation of the Faith (POF); the Pontifical Mission Society of Saint Peter the Apostle (SPA); the Pontifical Mission Society of Holy Childhood or Missionary Children (HC); the Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU). Although established at different times, each through the initiative of its founder or foundress, and having developed as distinct and autonomous entities, the four Societies now constitute a single institution, dependent on the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples (CEP) 38. In fact although their specific and distinct natures are advantageous for the development of each Society, it is nevertheless necessary to have one single institution for worldwide missionary cooperation, within the context of the activities carried out by the CEP. 39 Art 2 Each Society has a right to a certain autonomy, that is recognised by the competent authority and indicated in the Statute. 40 The PMS structures are central, national and diocesan. Art 3 From the outset, lay people have played an essential role in the activities and leadership of the PMS. Cooperation in the universal mission of the Church is a right and the duty of all the baptised. 41 All members of the People of God, whether as individuals or as associations, 42 are called to participate in this mission. 43 Art 4 The four PMS share as their primary and principal aim the promotion of the spirit of universal mission within the People of God, so that its missionary witness may be expressed through spiritual and material cooperation in the work of evangelisation. 37 Ad Gentes Cf Ad Gentes 29; Pastor Bonus Cf Pastor Bonus Cooperatio Missionalis 6 41 Cf CIC can ; Redemptoris Missio 71; Cooperatio Missionalis 2 42 CIC can Cf Lumen Gentium 17 33; Apostolicam Actuositatem 613; Ad Gentes ; Christifideles Laici August

11 Art 5 The PMS, born of particular charismatic initiatives, lay, priestly and episcopal, have developed with the support of the Holy See, which has subsequently transformed them into Pontifical organisations, with the aim of ensuring their greater effectiveness and universal character. 44 Chapter 2 The Four Societies 1. The Pontifical Mission Society for the Propagation of the Faith Art 6 The Society for the Propagation of the Faith, conscious that evangelisation is above all the action of the Holy Spirit, encourages the faithful to give first place to prayer and a spirit of sacrifice for mission. 45 The following are its objectives: (a) to form the People of God so that it becomes aware of its worldwide missionary vocation; 46 (b) to inform Christians about the life and needs of the Churches in mission territories, through the exchange of news, sharing of spiritual values, the witness of solidarity in times of trial, and moral and material support in adversity; 47 (c) to increase spiritual and material assistance between particular Churches, with particular attention to the exchange of apostolic personnel with a view to the evangelisation of the whole world; 48 (d) to promote missionary vocations ad gentes, especially those which are life-long; 49 (e) to promote education to justice, especially of young people, through information and knowledge of the social doctrine of the Church, to encourage them to help, and work towards increasing missionary awareness leading them to offer themselves for mission; 50 towards this end the Society operates a missionary youth service ; (f) to promote economic solidarity by appealing to the generosity of Christians in the whole world and developing a social justice and assistance programme which will satisfy with regularity the fundamental needs of all the Churches in mission territories. 51 Art 7 The Society carries out its activity throughout the whole year, but with greater intensity during the month of October. This month must be regarded in all the countries as the Month of Universal Mission. The penultimate Sunday, proclaimed as World Mission Day is the high point of the month. This day is celebrated in all the particular Churches as the feast of catholicity and universal solidarity. 52 On this day Christians throughout the world become aware of their common responsibility for the evangelisation of the world Cf Cooperatio Missionalis 4 45 Cf Redemptoris Missio Cf Ad Gentes 35; Redemptoris Missio Cf Redemptoris Missio Cf Redemptoris Missio 84; Cooperatio Missionalis 4 49 Cf Redemptoris Missio Cf Redemptoris Missio Cf Christus Dominus 6; Ad Gentes Cf Sacred Congregation of Rites Rescritto of 14th April Cf Ad Gentes 36; CIC can 791 n 3; Redemptoris Missio August

12 Art 8 Art 9 So that the month of October may provide Christians with the opportunity to give a universal dimension to their missionary cooperation, and in view of intensifying the missionary spirit among the Christian people, prayers and daily sacrifices are to be encouraged so that the annual Mission Day should become, as it were, the spontaneous expression of that spirit (AG 36). Bishops are invited to ask those responsible for Catholic organisations and the faithful to renounce any other collection of a particular nature during that period. Bishops and Episcopal Conferences shall prepare various invocations for the missions and include them in the Prayers of the Faithful. 54 They should also ensure that offerings given on World Mission Day are used exclusively for the objectives of the Universal Solidarity Fund (cf. Art. 10) and encourage their priests and laity in that spirit. In order to ensure the full development of the Society, those responsible will seek the support of numerous men and women co-workers, in particular through associations and parish movements or from other organisations, and provide them with the necessary formation. By its nature, POF, in common with all the Societies, calls for the collaboration of all; its members should also be promoters of the universal missionary spirit in their own environment. Those responsible for the Society, bearing in mind the local ecclesial reality, must judge whether it is appropriate, in line with tradition, to create an Association composed of associated members. Art 10 All the offerings collected by the Society constitute the Universal Solidarity Fund of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. 2. The Pontifical Mission Society of Saint Peter the Apostle Art 11 The Society of Saint Peter the Apostle was founded to pursue the following objectives: (a) to use spiritual means, especially prayer and sacrifice to beg the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest ; 55 (b) to make Christians aware of the need for growth in the number of vocations and the importance of formation of local clergy in the Churches in the mission territories, so that subsequently they may be sent to collaborate in other sister Churches; 56 (c) to contribute towards the growth of clergy in Churches in mission territories, also using the funds obtained by the establishment of scholarships, payments of pensions, fees and other donations, to enable the building and development of numerous major, propaedeutic and minor seminaries, both on a diocesan and inter-diocesan level; (d) to assist in the formation of male and female candidates for consecrated life, in the Churches of the mission territories. Art 12 All the monies collected by the Society constitute the Universal Solidarity Fund of the Society of Saint Peter the Apostle. 3. The Pontifical Mission Society of Holy Childhood or Missionary Children Art 13 The Society provides assistance to particular Churches with the following objectives: (a) to assist educators to awaken and gradually develop in both children and adolescents a worldwide missionary consciousness, in order to guide them towards a spiritual communion and material sharing of their resources with children of other Churches, 54 Paul VI MP Ecclesiae Sanctae III 3 55 Mt Cf Cooperatio Missionalis 4 15 August

13 especially those in difficulty. Everyone has something to give and to receive and their motto is: children helping children; 57 (b) to contribute towards promotion and development of missionary vocations; (c) to prepare missionary animators who will accompany children in their journey towards a more mature missionary consciousness. This is fulfilled through their direct involvement in ways suitable for each country, so that children become missionaries in their own way. To this end, structures at both local and regional level should be established, and suitable activities for such involvement should be created. Art 14 The Society, having a profound educational role, must take into account both in its methods of missionary formation and in its appeals to generosity, those pedagogic principles best suited to awaken the missionary awareness of children. Its educational activity must be appropriate to their age, mentality, environment and abilities. Whether using its own means or other existing catechetical structures, the Society should always be integrated into the general pastoral work of Christian education to which it brings a missionary dimension. Art 15 Every year the Society organises a Worldwide Day, on which it brings childrens attention to the spiritual and material needs of children throughout the world. Children are encouraged to offer to other children of the world their assistance in terms of prayers, sacrifices and offerings, and are encouraged to discover in them the face of Jesus. Whilst drawing attention to the needs of children who are materially poor, the riches of their spiritual values must not be overlooked. By opening themselves to one another, children will come to know and love each other as brothers and sisters and in this way are enriched by mutual giving. Art 16 Because the education of children must be carried out through methods suited to them, it is essential that those responsible for the Society at National and Diocesan level have the required theological and catechetical competency. Art 17 The age of children and adolescents addressed by the Society is established by the National Council, with the consent of the Episcopal Conference and following the guidelines of the Superior Council. Art 18 The subscriptions and contributions of children from the various continents together constitute the Universal Solidarity Fund of Holy Childhood to assist institutions and activities for the benefit of children in the mission territories. 4. The Pontifical Missionary Union Art 19 The Church is missionary by its nature 58. It is the task of the PMU to make this real and operative, especially among persons called by vocation to serve the Church in the ordained ministry, in religious and lay consecration and lay missionaries who are directly involved in the worldwide mission. 59 Art 20 The objective of the PMU is to stimulate missionary formation and awareness among priests, members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and of Societies of Apostolic Life, consecrated laity, candidates to priesthood and religious life in all its forms, as well as all other persons engaged in the pastoral ministry of the Church. The Union ministers to all those who are called to ensure that the People of God is animated both by a missionary spirit and a 57 Cf Cooperatio Missionalis 4 58 Ad Gentes 2 59 Cf Cooperatio Missionalis 4 15 August

14 generous openness to missionary cooperation. The success of the other Societies depends to a large extent on the vitality of the Pontifical Missionary Union which is the soul of the other Pontifical Mission Societies. 60 Art 21 To promote this missionary formation and awareness, the Union employs suitable methods, as much by its own means as by appealing to minor and major seminaries, existing institutions and initiatives, that have as their aim the basic and ongoing formation of clergy and religious. The PMU assists them in gaining awareness of their responsibility towards the worldwide mission of the Church. The Union will help them deepen their knowledge of mission and increase their missionary sensitivity. In turn, they will promote in the communities entrusted to them, a missionary consciousness and effective commitment to the worldwide mission within the Church. It will encourage them to find pastoral methods most in keeping with this objective and will strive to stimulate their apostolic commitment. To this end the Union will also facilitate fraternal sharing and witness to solidarity among all the apostolic workers, serving the Church in the various continents. Art 22 It is desirable that a person responsible for the Union with the specific task of spiritual missionary animation be present within each National Office. On the diocesan level, this task may be carried out by the Diocesan Director of the PMS Paul VI Apostolic Letter Graves et Increscentes 5th September Cf Cooperatio Missionalis 9 15 August

15 TITLE II GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Chapter 1 Art 23 The mandate to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world belongs to the whole Church and all its Pastors. 62 With regard to the universal Church, this function is entrusted in particular to the Roman Pontiff and to the College of Bishops, 63 while for the particular Church, it is the duty of its Bishop, who has within it the responsibility of the ministry of the word. 64 Art 24 The Roman Pontiff exercises his authority over the Pontifical Mission Societies through the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, which directs and coordinates missionary work and missionary cooperation throughout the world. The rights of the Eastern Churches must, however, be safeguarded. 65 Art 25 The Congregation to foster missionary cooperation, even through the effective collection and fair allocation of subsidies, chiefly uses the PMS, namely, the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, and the Society of Holy Childhood, as well as the Pontifical Missionary Union of the Clergy. 66 Art 26 The Pontifical Mission Societies depend, at a diocesan level on the Bishop. At the national level they also have as a point of reference the Episcopal Conference, in accordance with the law. At the international level they also depend on Episcopal Bodies both regional and continental, in accordance with the law. 67 The PMS are promoted by these bodies, always taking in due consideration their pontifical and universal character. 68 Art 27 The co-responsibility of Bishops in the government of the PMS assumes various forms, according to their participation in the direction of the Societies at the central, national and diocesan level, in accordance with the current Statute. Art 28 Though they depend on the CEP and the Bishops, the PMS retain their autonomy and are guided by their own Statute. Supreme Committee CENTRAL GOVERNMENT Art 29 The Supreme Committee of the PMS takes all the necessary steps to ensure that each of the Pontifical Mission Societies develops regularly and effectively in its own sphere of action, and resolves the difficulties that may arise between them Cf Ad Gentes Cf CIC can Cf CIC can Ad Gentes 29; cf also Pastor Bonus 85; Redemptoris Missio Pastor Bonus Cf Redemptoris Missio 76 83; Cooperatio Missionalis 3 68 Cf Ad Gentes Pius XI Motu Proprio Decessor Noster 24th June 1929 n V 15 August

16 Art 30 The Supreme Committee is composed of the following members: (a) the Cardinal Prefect of the CEP, who is its President; (b) the Secretary of the CEP, who is its Vice-President; (c) the President of the PMS; (d) five Bishops, elected by the CEP in each continent, whose mandate is ad quinquennium; (e) the Secretaries General of the four PMS; (f) five National Directors of the PMS, elected for each continent by members of the Superior Council, for a mandate ad quinquennium renewable once only. Art 31 With the Supreme Committee rests the responsibility to: (a) to ensure unity and mutual understanding between the PMS and the CEP; (b) to encourage and offer formulations of general pastoral and economic guide-lines, in the light of special needs and in agreement with the Superior Council; (c) to approve the budgets of the PMS and accept the report of the Public Auditor; (d) to approve the Internal Regulations of the PMS; (e) to nominate ad quinquennium, following the President s proposal, the Delegate for the Administration. Art 32 The Supreme Committee assembles once a year. The President can also convene the Committee whenever he considers it necessary. The Secretary of the Committee nominated by the President ad quinquennium, acts as scribe. Superior Council Art 33 The Superior Council of the PMS governs the activity of the four Societies. Its seat is in Rome alongside the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. The Adjunct Secretary or, in his absence the Secretary, of the Congregation, acts as the President of the Superior Council. Art 34 The Superior Council is composed of the following members: (a) the President; (b) the Secretaries General of the four Pontifical Mission Societies; (c) the Under-Secretaries of the Section for Relations with States of the Secretariat of State, of the Congregation for Bishops and of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches; (d) the National Directors of the PMS. Art 35 The responsibilities of the Superior Council are: (a) to study the activities and methods of animation and fundraising of the PMS in respective countries, suggesting new initiatives in accordance with pastoral plans of the Episcopal Conferences. Special pastoral sessions will be organised for this purpose; (b) to decide on the fair allocation of funds raised by National Offices, according to a plan for funding of projects, prepared by the Executive Committee (cf. Art. 40 e); (c) to determine priorities to be observed regarding the allocation of funds; (d) to establish norms relating to the allocation of funds, following general guidelines established by the CEP. 70 A fair to each according to their needs and effective allocation of subsidies, in line with a well thought out missionary plan of pastoral action, presupposes precise information and verification of opinions presented by the appropriate Episcopal Conferences and by experts in particular subjects; 70 Cf Ad Gentes August

17 (e) to examine the budgets, income and expenditure accounts, and balance sheets of each Society, prepared by the Secretaries General, and to deliberate on them; (f) to chose a Public Auditor, who verifies the accounts of the PMS, and to propose the name for the approval by the Cardinal Prefect of the CEP; (g) to resolve possible organisational problems of the PMS; (h) to establish, with the consent of the President, special ad hoc Commissions, which will examine particular issues and present recommendations to the Superior Council; (i) to propose to the Executive Committee useful initiatives for encouraging meetings at international and regional levels organised by National Directors or by Secretaries General, subject to prior communication with the President and the Episcopal Conferences in question; (j) to establish the date and duration of the May General Assembly and if necessary of the November Special Assembly, and indicate topics for discussion; (k) to elaborate and update its own Internal Regulations (cf. Art. 45; 31 d); (l) to prepare and update an operational Handbook; (m) to determine the amount of money which the Secretaries General can retain from the budget of their respective Society to respond to requests for assistance in situations of special emergencies. These funds will have to be allocated according to well-defined projects and will become part of the accountability for the following year. Art 36 The universal and communitarian character of the Superior Council is expressed through the presence of the President himself, who represents the CEP, and of National Directors, who come from their own respective Churches. The common good of the worldwide mission should be their main concern. They must consider themselves first of all operators of a service in favour of the communion among the Churches. Assemblies Art 37 The Superior Council gathers for its Ordinary General Assembly once a year, usually in the month of May, convened, chaired and moderated by the President of the PMS. All the members of the Superior Council have a duty to take part in the Ordinary General Assembly. It has two sections, pastoral and administrative. The first is devoted mainly to the study of missiological, pastoral and organisational topics indicated and approved beforehand by the General Assembly. The second part is reserved for the evaluation of proposals by Secretaries General for allocation of subsidies. During the first part the presence of experts is allowed, while only members of the Superior Council are allowed to participate in the second part, unless there is a question concerning the activity of the Secretary General of a particular Society; in such a case the presence of experts, who have studied and presented the projects in question, is also allowed. The Cardinal Prefect of the CEP has the authority to nominate persons to participate in the second part of the Assembly. Art 38 The President of the PMS has the authority, when regarded as necessary by him and in agreement with the President of the Supreme Committee, to convene a Special Assembly in November. The date and duration of such an Assembly are determined by the Ordinary General Assembly, as proposed by its President and pending prior communication with the Secretaries General. The Special Assembly is directed by the President of the PMS and attended by the four Secretaries and representatives of National Directors, elected by all the members of the Superior Council according to a quota determined on a continental basis, established by the Superior Council itself. 15 August

18 Art 39 The Cardinal Prefect of the CEP attends the meetings of the two Assemblies, if he so wishes, in the forms and manner he considers opportune. Executive Committee Art 40 Within the Superior Council, there is an Executive Committee, chaired by the President of the PMS and including the four Secretaries General. It convenes at least once every two months, operating in compliance with its Internal Regulation, and has the following tasks: (a) to ensure implementation of the general guide-lines given by the Supreme Committee and the Superior Council; (b) to organize all the Assemblies of the PMS and other similar initiatives; (c) to assist the effective organisation of the PMS National Offices, in accord with the spirit and the norms of the Statute; (d) to examine and respond to urgent requests for assistance, within the limits established by the Superior Council; (e) to coordinate the preparation of proposals for allocation of annual subsidies; (f) to evaluate with the Delegate for Administration financial management issues of the PMS in general and each of the four Societies in particular. The Delegate serves the Executive Committee, to which he is accountable and with which he will verify all issues related to the administration and management of the PMS personnel. President of the PMS Art 41 The president of the PMS is the Adjunct Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, or in his absence, the Secretary of the same Congregation. The President is nominated by the Supreme Pontiff. Art 42 The President has the responsibility (a) to represent the PMS in their relationship with the CEP; (b) to chair the PMS Assemblies; (c) to coordinate the work of the four Secretaries General; (d) to represent the PMS at assemblies and in official meetings; (e) to assist National Offices, and visit them when necessary; (f) to attend to the good operation, and an orderly and transparent financial management of the four General Secretariats. Secretaries General Art 43 Each Society has its own International Secretariat, directed by the Secretary General who is nominated ad quinquennium by the CEP, pending prior consultation with the members of the Superior Council. The mandate is renewable normally only for one other quinquennium. Art 44 The Secretary General has the following tasks: (a) to attend to the effective functioning of the Secretariat; (b) to collaborate with other Secretaries General, following the guidelines of the President; (c) to present every year proposals for subsidies, both ordinary and extraordinary, for various projects to be presented to the Superior Council for approval; (d) to prepare an annual general report for the Superior Council on the activity of the Secretariat, along with a detailed report on the funds received and the subsidies granted. 15 August