Our History

Origins of the Union of the Catholic Apostolate (1835)

We trace our beginnings to the founding of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate in 1835, an association of clergy, religious, and laity founded by St. Vincent Pallotti, a priest of the Diocese of Rome. Its purpose was “to unite the evangelical action, the prayers, offerings, not only of the members but also of all those who would cooperate with it, even once, for the reawakening of faith and piety among Christians and the multiplying of the means necessary to maintain and propagate the Catholic religion." (Appeal of May 1835)

In 1835, Vincent Pallotti, a priest of the diocese of Rome, during his thanksgiving after celebrating Mass, received the grace of inspiration to create "1) a pious institution of a universal apostolate among all Catholics in order to spread the faith and religion of Jesus Christ among non-Catholics, 2) another hidden apostolate to revive, maintain and increase the faith among Catholics, and 3) an institution of universal charity for the practice of all the spiritual and corporal works of mercy so that, as far as possible, God may be recognized as Infinite Love by all."

Thus was born the Pious Society of the Catholic Apostolate, which today is known as the Union of the Catholic Apostolate, an association of religious, clergy and laity. The main apostolic thrust of our religious communities today takes its tone from this original inspiration. We see our task as that of reviving faith, rekindling charity and fostering unity; today these ends are consistent with our understanding of Pope John Paul II's call for a "new evangelization."

> Origins of the Union of the Catholic Apostolate
Beginnings of the Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate
Earliest Days of the United States Province
Growth & Development of the United States Province
Present Day Challenges