Founder of the Society of Children Helping Children
The Birth of the Society
French Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson founded the Society of Missionary Children in 1843. Deeply affected by the distress of Chinese children abandoned in the streets, he was moved to found a society similar to the Propagation of the Faith - but for children. He was convinced that though weak and needing care, children rich in faith and love are capable of playing their own part in the Church's mission and even of stirring adults to show the same generosity.
Its Development
The response to Bishop Forbin-Janson's appeal was extraordinary. In a few years, the unique concept of 'Children Helping Children' spread not only through native France but all over Europe, then to North America, Latin America and Asia, and in the last forty years to Africa.
The Society of Missionary Children was first established in Ireland in 1853 and was raised to the status of 'Pontifical' in 1922 by Pope Pius XI.
Bishop Forbin-Janson's mission of 'Children Helping Children' continues to guide the Society today.