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Local Church Leadership
The Society of St Peter Apostle, now known as Catholic Mission’s work in Fostering Local Church Leadership, was founded in 1889 in France by Jeanne Bigard (1859-1934). Jeanne and her mother, Stephanie, emerged from personal tragedies and turned to good works, including making altar linen and vestments for missionaries in Japan. In 1889, a French Bishop of Nagasaki, Jules-Alphonse Cousin, suggested to the Bigards that they might consider supporting young men in Japan to train for the Priesthood. Thus was born the idea of a general society to promote indigenous clergy throughout the world. The Bigards donated to the new society the whole of their considerable fortune. Approved by the Pope in 1890, it became a Pontifical Mission Society in 1922.
The Society trains young men and women in their own country and culture to serve their people as religious Sisters, Brothers, or Priests. The Society also assists local catechists in their formation and training.
