The Pontifical Missionary Union
The Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU) was founded in 1916 by Blessed Paolo Manna to deepen the formation of the faithful in light of their baptismal missionary mandate. In 1963, St. Pope John XXIII declared “St. Vincent Pallotti, the Confessor,” its Patron.
“Sanctus Vincentius Pallotti, Confessor, in principalem Patronum Pontificiae Unionis Missionariae Cleri eligitur.”
Patronage
“St. Vincent Pallotti, who concentrates the most skillful cares on the missionary matter - a shining example of priests following the apostolic ardor - is chief patron of the aforesaid group.”
Pallotti’s motto - the love of Christ impels us - was inseparable from the primacy of God, and directed to the missionary mandate of all the baptized received through Baptism.
His precepts of “removing every wall of separation between the diocesan and regular clergy”, and the applicability of the Catholic apostolate “to persons of every class”, were intensley forefunning, and found themselves 100 years later at the heart of Vatican II.
“If you do not try to become a saint,” he would often say, “you must be crazy!”
Soul of the Pontifical Missions
The Pontifical Missionary Union is one of four Pontifical Mission Socities, dedicated to fostering missionary awareness and commitment among the religious and laity.
Unlike the other three societies - Propogration of the Faith, Holy Childhood, & St. Peter the Apostle - which focus on fundraising and direct missionary aid, the PMU works to form and educate those involved in the Church’s missionary work.
For this reason, St. Pope Paul VI called it “the soul of the Pontifical Mission Societies.”
