In 1835, Pallotti formed a community of priests and brothers which he called the “Society of the Catholic Apostolate(SAC)” (Societas Apostolatus Catholici). After the death of St. Vincent in 1850, the Society faced some difficulties with regard to the name of the Society. When Pallotti’s last defender, Cardinal Lambruscini, died in 1854, the name of the Society was abruptly changed to “The Pious Society of Missions”. This lasted until 1947 and then “by a gracious act of the Holy See” the original name of the Society was restored.

Promises

The Pallottines promise to the Society- Chastity, Poverty, Obedience, Perseverance, Sharing of Resources and Spirit of Service.

Source of strength

Deep experience of God as infinite love and mercy, long hours of prayer and contemplation, profound repentance and voluntary penance.

Patronness

Mary Queen of the Apostles.

Pallottine spirituality

St. Vincent Pallotti challenges us to see the image of the Holy Trinity in all people. This objective can be achieved through an encounter and being together with others. In this process, God’s commitment to his people in love is to become tangible reality in the light of the biblical stories and the life of Jesus Christ. Besides this, we encounter the same presence of God everywhere in varied situations of life daily through devoted time for reflection and prayer. In addition , the challenge to experience God lies in combining the different phases of work: community life, prayer life, and an active contemplative life etc. God would give Himself always and everywhere in His infinite love if humans did not limit Him. One can experience this love by absorbing God’s love for the world and trying to give oneself- not only by doing and giving something, but giving all and with it oneself.

Involving everyone in ministry, valuing and promoting abilities and gifts of others are all a part of the Pallottine profile. The diversity of people reveals about God and his image after which every human being is fashioned in a unique way. Hence, no two human beings are exactly the same. Such an appreciation of diversity of persons is found in the New Testament at the Pentecost scene where women and men are seen praying together. The Spirit goes far beyond the space in which people are praying – the Spirit blows wherever it, pleases. St. Vincent Pallotti wanted a community –[…]fashioned in such a way, that all Catholics, clergy and lay people, men and women, educated and uneducated, rich and poor, nobles and commoners, irrespective of their status, their profession and their wealth can take part in it. The community characterized by such an openness and diversity provides a firm foundation for different expressions of life. In the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, priests and brothers live and work together. This togetherness is built on the wealth of Christian tradition. St. Vincent Pallotti, who had vast knowledge of the history of spirituality, gave an expression to the spirituality that invites everyone to be an apostle. He was ahead of his time in recognizing this vocation. He broke new ground and gave his community the task of being imaginative and innovative in exercising ministry for the glory of God and the salvation of all.

The Pallottiine Spirituality levels the boundaries of separation in working for the Kingdom of God. Being a Christian means doing away with differences and being united in the apostolate. St. Vincent Pallotti challenges us to respond to God’s infinite love in a boundless way. Therefore, the Pallottine ministries can be found at the heart as well as on the margins of the Church’s ministries, on the periphery of society. In leadership positions, and in science and research. The Pallottines place themselves at the service of uniting human family as tools and instruments. This is the central mission of the Church after the Second Vatican Council. Creating networks and collaboration are the characteristic features of the Pallottine mission. Collaboration is not limited to members and friends or to Catholics, but it goes far beyond; it invites all people of goodwill in executing God’s plan. This attitude of openness leads to dialogue, even if the other is closed. We must always be open to such dialogue and relationship.