Pontifical Mission Societies Launch #PopeMoving Campaign

Pontifical Mission Societies Launch #PopeMoving Campaign
Celebrating Pope Francis by standing in solidarity with the poor
Providing for transportation needs at home and around the world

NEW YORK –  The Pontifical Mission Societies has launched a campaign to gather support for the transportation costs for poor and low-income communities in the United States and around the world:  #PopeMoving.

"Our Holy Father has indicated that he wants us to celebrate his inauguration as Pope by performing acts of charity for the poor and those in need," said Father Andrew Small, OMI, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States.  "Modeling the Pope’s love for the 'least among us' and moving forward on the call to love our neighbor, we seek your support."

Each donation will be converted into funds to help the poor and their families get where they need to be - for work, a job interview, a medical appointment, a ride to school.  The Pontifical Mission Societies will partner with charitable agencies here at home and in mission countries to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.

In his earliest messages, Pope Francis has underscored both his great love for the poor and his call for all in the Church to be advocates for helping those most in need.  "Oh, how I wish for a Church that is poor and for the poor!" he told journalists and media professionals when he met with them March 16.  In his homeland, then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio often took the bus to make his way around his archdiocese.  "Our life is a journey," the Pope said in his first homily on March 14, "and when we stop moving, things go wrong."

For more information, and to make a donation, visit www.propfaith.net/popemoving.

Given the title "Pontifical" in 1922, the Pontifical Mission Societies have special responsibility in the Universal Church.  They are under the direct canonical jurisdiction of the Pope, who, together with the entire body of Bishops, remind the faithful of their Baptismal call to mission, as they gather basic support for more than 1,150 mission dioceses in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and Latin America.

Day in and day out, the Pontifical Mission Societies keep going some 9,000 clinics caring for the sick and dying, 10,000 orphanages, providing a place of safety and shelter, and 1,200 schools, educating children in some of the poorest parts of our world.  All of these operate in 1,150 mission dioceses, mostly in Africa and Asia, where those in need receive an education and health care, while experiencing the loving heart of the Lord through the service of priests, religious Sisters and Brothers, and lay faithful.  Supporting those who proclaim Christ in all they do, in their words, witness and service – knowing that the Person and presence of the Lord is the greatest gift we offer – the Pontifical Mission Societies include the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Missionary Childhood Association, the Society of St. Peter Apostle, and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious.  For more information, visit www.OneFamilyInMission.org.