THE ROLE OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES
The Pontifical Mission Organizations in INDIA (also known as Missio Organizations the world over) is a set of four distinct Pontifical Mission Societies with one principal aim, that of the promotion of the universal missionary enthusiasm within the hearts of the faithful. This is made possible through: (a) the dissemination of information, making others aware of the significance of the missions, (b) the promotion of missionary vocations and (c) the gathering and distribution of material help for the missions for its systematic structural works and for young Churches who seek to build communion with other Churches for the sharing of goods and mutual assistance.

FOUR PONTIFICAL SOCIETIES IN ONE MISSION OF CHRIST

Each of the four Pontifical Mission Societies have a unique identity and a specific social spectrum within which they operate, whether it is with regard to their goals or in the means and initiatives that are used to accomplish it. They are each adapted and renewed according to the diverse ecclesiastical and socio-cultural situations which regulate their scope, although aligned within the universal framework.

The four Pontifical Mission Societies are:

(1) Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith (PSPF) passes on the mission flame by promoting a world-wide mission enthusiasm with the missionary co-operation of all in the Christian community, especially through World Mission (Sunday) activities that includes the collection of material help for the missions, the promotion of missionary vocations and the aid for the formation and growth of the missionary spirit.

(2) Pontifical Society of St Peter the Apostle (PSSPA) serves The Mission through the spiritual and intellectual formation of apostolic personnel (E.g. priests, catechists, men and women in the Institutes of consecrated life) in mission territories by also providing financial help.

(3) Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood Associations (MCA) fosters mission awareness, formation of the missionary spirit and the commitment of children through its “children-helping-children” initiatives, reaching out to their contemporaries with their prayers and material support.

(4) Pontifical Missionary Union of the Clergy, the Religious and the Consecrated Laity (PMU) promotes the missionary dimensions of priestly life especially the missionary animation of the clergy and the laity, while also praying for an increase in missionary vocations.

It is remarkable to note that while preserving the unique character of each Pontifical Mission Society, they each bear witness in togetherness, to a unity of spirit and of intention as works of the Holy Father and of the bishops, committed to the formation of the faithful for a fruitful missionary spirit.