pro gentium evangelizatione - pontifical...

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.

15 August 2005 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 2005.

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 2005 3


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 inter-

religious 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.

1Vatican Ecumenical Council II Decree Ad Gentes 2

2 Cf Mk 314-15

3 Paul VI Encyclical Evangelii Nuntiandi 27

4 John Paul II Encyclical Redemptoris Missio 92

5 Redemptoris Missio 2



15 August 2005 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 37

10 Jn 20 21

11 Congregation for Evangelisation of Poples Instruction Cooperatio Missionalis 1st October 1998 n 2

12 Cooperatio Missionalis 2

13 Ad Gentes 29

14 John Paul II Cost Ap Pastor Bonus 91

15 Ad Gentes 38


15 August 2005 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 humanity17

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 (1799-1862), the foundress

of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith; Charles Auguste Marie de Forbin-Janson (1785-

1844), bishop of Nancy, founder of the Society of Holy Childhood; Jeanne Bigard (1859-1934)

who, together with her mother Stephanie, gave life to the Society of Saint Peter the Apostle; the

Blessed Father Paolo Manna (1872-1952), 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


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 5 14 18

Christiani J Servel Marie Pauline Jaricot Editions du Chalet Lyon 1964 p 39 19

Cf Redemptoris Missio 82

15 August 2005 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 organ21

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”.24

13 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 re-

awaken 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 91 22

Ad Gentes 38 23

Ad Gentes 38 24

Letter of Paul VI to Cardinal Alessandro Renard Archbishop of Lyon on the occasion of the International Missionary

Congress 22nd October 1972 25

Redemptoris Missio 81 26

Cf Vatican Ecumenical Council II Decree Presbyterorum Ordinis 10

15 August 2005 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


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 1956. 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.31

27

Cf Christus Dominus 6 11 28

Cf Pastor Bonus 85 91 29

Paul VI Message for the 1968 World Missions Day; Cooperatio Missionalis 4 30

Cf Redemptoris Missio 84 31

Cf Cooperatio Missionalis 6

15 August 2005 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


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



15 August 2005 9

world, cultivate in themselves a truly Catholic spirit and direct their strengths for the work of

evangelisation.34

22 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 orientation35

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.36

34

Cf Ad Gentes 36 35



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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 38 38

Cf Ad Gentes 29; Pastor Bonus 91 39

Cf Pastor Bonus 85 40

Cooperatio Missionalis 6 41

Cf CIC can 211 781; Redemptoris Missio 71; Cooperatio Missionalis 2 42

CIC can 225 43

Cf Lumen Gentium 17 33; Apostolicam Actuositatem 613; Ad Gentes 35-36 41; Christifideles Laici 35

15 August 2005 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.53

44

Cf Cooperatio Missionalis 4 45


Cf Ad Gentes 35; Redemptoris Missio 77 47


Cf Redemptoris Missio 84; Cooperatio Missionalis 4 49

Cf Redemptoris Missio 79 83 84 50

Cf Redemptoris Missio 80 83 51

Cf Christus Dominus 6; Ad Gentes 38 52

Cf Sacred Congregation of Rites Rescritto of 14th April 1926 53

Cf Ad Gentes 36; CIC can 791 n 3; Redemptoris Missio 81

15 August 2005 12

Art 8 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.

Art 9 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 9 38 56


15 August 2005 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


Ad Gentes 2 59


15 August 2005 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.61

60

Paul VI Apostolic Letter Graves et Increscentes 5th September 1966 61


15 August 2005 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.

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

Supreme Committee

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”.69

62

Cf Ad Gentes 5 6 63

Cf CIC can 756 § 1 64

Cf CIC can 756 § 2 65

Ad Gentes 29; cf also Pastor Bonus 85; Redemptoris Missio 75 66

Pastor Bonus 91 67

Cf Redemptoris Missio 76 83; Cooperatio Missionalis 3 68

Cf Ad Gentes 38 69

Pius XI Motu Proprio Decessor Noster 24th June 1929 n V

15 August 2005 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 29

15 August 2005 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 2005 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 2005 19

Art 45 All structures of the PMS should have their own Internal Regulations approved by the

competent authority according to both the canonical legislation in force and to the Statute.

Chapter 2

Regional and continental meetings

Art 46 The episcopal character of the PMS requires their deep understanding and collaboration with

the dioceses and Episcopal Conferences of various countries.71

The Church acknowledges

the validity and benefits of the meetings of Episcopal Conferences both at regional and

continental level.72

Therefore the PMS are committed not only “to meet the demands of

missionary reality constantly changing and requiring new forms of intervention”,73

but they

also coordinate their work of missionary animation and cooperation in the broader context of

new supra-national bodies, such as regional and continental Episcopal Conferences.74

“The

Second Vatican Council has sought to renew the life and activity of the Church in the light

of the needs of the contemporary world”75

and the various Synods of Bishops, both ordinary

and continental, have also adapted to these needs.

Art 47 In the new world context the communion between Churches “is lived in a mutual way and,

concretely, in relation to specific missionary activity. No one must be prevented from

carrying out this inter-exchange of ecclesial charity and missionary dynamism. The essential

quality of ecclesial communion is in fact its concreteness, so that it involves everyone and

reaches the actual person in his or her real-life context. Today too, we should be able to say

of Christian communities, committed to the worldwide mission, that they act ‘with one heart

and with one mind’ (Acts 4, 32)”.76

Art 48 The Superior Council will therefore facilitate contacts and collaboration among National

Offices. Some international meetings, on both regional and continental level, will provide

those responsible with an opportunity to pool opinions, information and experiences. This

will constitute a true source of enrichment for all and will offer each one the opportunity to

re-evaluate and renew, if necessary, their own views, programmes and traditional working

methods.

Art 49 Pending prior communication with the President of the PMS and the Prefect of the CEP,

regional and continental meetings of the PMS can be organized by the National Directors in

question as well as by the Secretary General of each individual Society. The Episcopal

Conferences of the region or the continent where they are held should also be notified of

these meetings. One of the National Directors can be elected as Continental or Regional

Coordinator for the duration of three years, with the task of planning the supra-national

activity of the PMS.

71




Cf CIC can 459 75


Cooperatio Missionalis 2

15 August 2005 20

Chapter 3

National and Diocesan Offices

Art 50 The PMS, given their nature and importance, must be present and operational in each

particular Church, both ancient and young. In this way commitment to missionary

cooperation will become the missionary consciousness of the Church.77

Art 51 Every nation should have, as a matter of course, one National Director for all the four

Societies, if they are present, or for all the four objectives they pursue. In some cases a

Director can be responsible for several nations. The National Director is the official

representative of the PMS to the local Episcopal Conference.78

Art 52 “The appointment of a National Director falls to the Congregation for the Evangelisation of

Peoples preferably after a presentation of a terna of candidates by the Bishops’ Conference,

through the Papal Representative”.79

The National Director is elected ad quinquennium. His

mandate is renewable usually only for another quinquennium. The new National Director

must be nominated, as far as possible, three months before the expiry of the mandate of the

sitting National Director.

Art 53 According to the norms of the Apostolic See and any special directions issued by the

Episcopal Conference,80

the National Director has the following responsibilities:

(a) to represent the PMS before national religious and civil authorities;

(b) to promote and direct the PMS within the nation and coordinate their functioning among

the different dioceses, in agreement with the Episcopal Conference and according to the

spirit of the Statute;

(c) to chair, as a matter of course, the National Council of the PMS;

(d) to encourage within the National Council joint reflection, and to promote animation

activities, suggesting initiatives to be carried out giving general guidelines to be

followed and coordinate various other activities;81

(e) to present the annual pastoral and financial reports of individual Societies to the

National Council and to the Episcopal Conference, through the Episcopal Commission

for the Missions, to the CEP, to the President of the Societies, and to the Secretaries

General. The financial report must be examined and signed by a Public Auditor as a

matter of course.

Art 54 The National Council of the PMS is composed of:

(a) the National Director;

(b) the National Secretaries of individual Societies;

(c) the Diocesan Directors or, if their number is high, their Delegates.

The National Council can also be composed differently, as long as it is representative, in a

balanced way, of members of national ecclesial bodies and Diocesan Delegates.82

77

Cf Ad Gentes 38; Cooperatio Missionalis 15 78






15 August 2005 21

Art 55 The National Council is responsible for:

(a) maintaining a close collaboration with the National Missionary Council established by

the Episcopal Conference and chaired by the President of the Episcopal Commission

for the Missions;83

(b) determining the topic and study the strategy for the annual missionary campaign and

the programme for the activities of the Societies, for both animation and organisation

of fund raising;

(c) receiving and examining the annual financial balance sheet submitted by the

competent office, including animation and administration expenses of the National and

Diocesan Offices, according to the budget.

Art 56 In each nation the PMS must observe the civil law in force, with regards to both the juridical

status to be incorporated in their regulations and in all their operations. The National Office,

through the Administration Council or other governing group (e.g. Board of Trustees), will

ensure that the status of the PMS as a ‘Non-profit Organisation’ or ‘Foundation’ or

‘Registered Charity’ is maintained.

Art 57 The National Council, in agreement with the Episcopal Conference and pending prior

information of the Superior Council of the PMS, should draft a statute or internal regulation

to organize their work and their specific activity, in harmony with the Statute of the PMS. It

should be examined and approved by the Supreme Committee (cf Art 45; 31 d).

Art 58 Given the episcopal character of the PMS and their ecclesial service, the National Council

must act so as to ensure that its activities are integrated within the overall diocesan and

national missionary pastoral plan, so as to bring about unity and harmonious developments.

While keeping their own identity, the PMS should not act on the margins of the pastoral life

of the dioceses and will avoid forming parallel structures. The PMS should follow the

general guidelines of the Episcopal Commission for the Missions.84

Assuming the presence

of National Missionary Council, the PMS are represented there, given their aim and the fact

that in the work of missionary animation “the leading role belongs to the Pontifical Mission

Societies”.85

Art 59 The President of the Episcopal Commission for the Missions or the person delegated by the

Episcopal Conference for this area promotes and champions the PMS. “The PMS’ role as

official instrument of the universal Church must be recognized and assured, coming as it

does by constitution in the countries and dioceses”.86

“It would be helpful if the President of

the Episcopal Commission were invited to the annual national PMS meetings. This would

enable him to follow their activities more closely at the stages of planning and review”.87

On

the other hand “the National Director should be informed of deliberations and missionary

initiatives of the Episcopal Commission. This would help him to carry out his duty in unity

of spirit and intent with the directives and chosen options of the Bishops and the local

Church. The National Director should be associated with the Episcopal Commission in the

most efficient manner possible”.88

“One concrete form is to appoint the National Director as

Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Missions”.89

83


Cf Cooperatio Missionalis 6 12 13 b c e 85

Redemptoris Missio 84; cf also Ad Gentes 38; Cooperatio Missionalis 12 86

Cooperatio Missionalis 13 c 87

Cooperatio Missionalis 13 f 88

Cooperatio Missionalis 13 g 89

Cooperatio Missionalis 14 b

15 August 2005 22

Art 60 In each diocese, preferably after consultation with the National Director, the Bishop

nominates a Diocesan Director of the PMS, ideally a single Director for all the four

Societies. It is desirable that the Director be nominated for a five-year mandate; this mandate

is renewable. It is also desirable that the Diocesan Director be at the same time the Episcopal

Delegate for the Missions.90

In case the Ordinary should nominate a different Episcopal

Delegate, the latter must offer maximum support to the Diocesan Director in carrying out his

task.91

The Diocesan Director, who should also be a member of the Diocesan Pastoral

Council, assisted by his co-workers, serves the Bishop to help him give a worldwide

missionary openness to the diocesan pastoral life.92

Chapter 4

Offerings of the faithful to the PMS

Art 61 The total offerings collected by the PMS in all the parishes and dioceses of every Rite

throughout the world, constitute a Fund of Solidarity to establish a programme of universal

assistance. Its aim is to provide economic assistance to Churches in the mission territories in

their commitment to evangelisation, to ecclesial and social development as well as to

education and material assistance. It is a sign of unity of faith, of love and justice, which

unites in the world all the members of the Church and the particular Churches in the

communion of the universal Church, because all the faithful of every Church in every part of

the world contribute towards it.

Art 62 The offerings of the faithful collected by the PMS in the dioceses must be transmitted

promptly, in their totality and with regularity to the National Office. These offerings

collected for the mission ad gentes on World Mission Day “in every diocese, parish and

institute of the Catholic world”93

or on other special occasions, cannot be used for other

purposes.94

Art 63 The distribution of the offerings collected by the PMS is the exclusive prerogative of the

Secretaries General. It is their task, in collaboration with the National Directors, to make the

subsidies granted during the year available to the person responsible for the projects

approved by the Superior Council. Only a percentage of the offerings collected can be

retained by the National Offices for animation and administration activity. Such a

percentage, as determined by the Superior Council, is also intended to make up for the

possible lack of sufficient funds for activities of the National Offices in the most

disadvantaged countries. In the annual financial reports, the expenses for missionary

animation must be recorded separately from those for administration costs.

Art 64 “Offerings given by the faithful for a specified purpose may be used only for that purpose”.95

All those who are allocated funds from the PMS, must use them solely and totally for the

specific project for which they have been destined and subsequently present a report to the

General Secretariats who allocated them.

90

Cf CIC can 791 n 2 91


Cf CIC can 791 n 2 93

Cf Messagge by John Paul II for the World Mission Day 21st Oct 2001 75th

Anniversary of the PMSPF 94

Cf CIC can 1267 § 3; Cooperatio Missionalis 8 13 d 95

CIC can 1267 § 3; 791 n 4

15 August 2005 23

This STATUTE, duly updated according to the instructions of the Pope John Paul II on 26th June

1980, which, on the strength of the same, can be further updated every five years,

has been ratified and signed by

His Eminence Cardinal Crescenzio SEPE

PREFECT

Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples

Lyon, 6 May 2005

pro gentium evangelizatione - pontifical...

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