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 context of the life of the church of the 19th century, the ways of proclamation the gospel found a new dynamism. Thanks to individuals, who urged on by Christ's love for humanity 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.

The charismatic origin of the Pontifical Mission Societies has been evident since the beginnings in the inspiration of the founders and the vision of the faith of the first co-workers. The history of individual societies confirms their charismatic origin. Rising spontaneously from the people of God, as private apostolic initiatives of the laity and priests, 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 recognized as Pontifical and placed in direct relationship with the Holy See.

As a gift of the Spirit to church, the fruits of 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. Each society, in its own unique way, puts into concrete reality the common call to promote the missionary spirit with the people of God. The common concern for the missionary needs of the whole church and each particular church has transformed the Pontifical Mission Societies into an expression of communion and universal solidarity. The societies encourage mutual prayer between particular churches and strive to enhance a reciprocal exchange of personnel and mutual resources.

The Pontifical Mission Societies are one institution divided into four branches namely; Pontifical Mission Society of the Propagation of the Faith (PSPF), Pontifical Mission Society of St. Peter Apostle (SPA), Pontifical Mission Society of the Holy Childhood (HC), Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU).

The four Societies have a common purpose of fostering a universal missionary spirit. They promote awareness prayer, sacrifice and fundraising to support the worldwide Catholic Mission. The Societies coordinate missionary activities throughout the world, but they are also part of the local church. They have the right and duty to “make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28:19)