The Society for the Propagation of the Faith for Canada

Overview

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith is an integral part of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Canada, serving as a primary organization dedicated to supporting and promoting Catholic missionary work worldwide. It operates under the larger umbrella of the Pontifical Mission Societies, which have been the official missionary arm of the Church since 1922, focusing on evangelization, missionary awareness, and fundraising for impoverished mission churches globally[2].

History

The roots of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith trace back to its founding by Pauline Marie Jaricot in Lyon, France, in 1822. Jaricot's initiative was inspired by her brother's accounts of missionaries' hardships, leading her to form groups that contributed financially and spiritually to support missions[1][3]. This model of collective support and prayer for missions spread rapidly, becoming a cornerstone of Catholic missionary efforts.

Mission

In Canada, the Society continues this legacy by advocating for prayer and financial support for missions across the world. It works closely with Canadian dioceses to foster a spirit of universal mission among Catholics, raising awareness about the needs of mission churches and enhancing their ability to carry out pastoral and evangelistic work[2][5].

Activities

The Society supports mission churches through various programs:

• Pastoral and Evangelistic Support: Providing resources for missionaries to conduct their work in remote or disadvantaged regions.
• Catechetical Work: Supporting catechists and religious education programs.
• Infrastructure Development: Aiding in the construction of churches and other necessary facilities.
• Healthcare, Education, and Communication: Facilitating access to essential services such as healthcare and education, along with improving communication and transport networks[1][2].

Structure

The Society operates across Canada with national offices in Toronto and Montreal. It is led by national directors responsible for English-speaking and French-speaking regions, ensuring coverage of diverse linguistic and cultural needs[2].

Registration

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith for Canada is registered as a nonprofit organization with a Business Registration Number of 128882883RR0001.

[1] https://www.pontificalmissions.org/the-societies/ [2] https://www.missionsocieties.ca/about-us/ [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_for_the_Propagation_of_the_Faith [4] https://www.cccb.ca/letter/world-mission-sunday-the-pontifical-society-for-the-propagation-of-the-faith/ [5] https://propagationarchny.org/society-for-the-propagation-of-the-faith