The Pontifical Mission Societies is the name given to a group of Catholic missionary societies that are under the canonical juridiction of the bishop of Rome. These organizations include the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, the Holy Childhood Association and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious.
Since 1922, Missio has been the Catholic Church’s official support organisation for overseas mission.
The Pope specifically asks the Pontifical Mission Societies, known in several countries as Missio, to help bring the Good News of Christ to the world, especially in countries where the Church is new, young or poor. The Societies care for and support the younger churches until they are able to be self-sufficient.
Missio raises awareness and fosters prayer and cooperation in the whole Church, with 120 offices worldwide, it is the only organisation which supports every one of the 1,069 mission dioceses of the world.
Missio exists through the generosity of Catholics. Thanks to them, we are able to respond in faith and love to the needs of our brothers and sisters, especially where poverty is most severe. Missio plays a crucial role in combating poverty, disease, injustice and exploitation.
In March 2011, Revered Andrew Small, OMI STD, was appointed by the Holy See as the National Director for the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States. <<http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20110623.htm#head1>>