History, charism, and mission of the Pallottine Society in Nigeria
The official name of the Congregation is the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, popularly known as the Pallottines. Its official Latin name is Societas Apostolatus Catholici (SAC). The adjective, Pallottines, was derived from the name of the Founder, St Vincent Pallotti. The motto of the Congregation is "The love of Christ urges us on" (2 Cor. 5:14).
The Society of the Catholic Apostolate belongs to the Society of Apostolic Life. It is an international Catholic religious Society founded in 1835 by Saint Vincent Pallotti in Rome, Italy. The Society was established during a period when the Catholic Church faced serious spiritual challenges, declining faith, and increasing social difficulties. Saint Vincent Pallotti believed that every Christian, regardless of status or profession, was called by God to participate actively in the mission of evangelization and charity.
The Pallottines were founded with the purpose of renewing faith, promoting Christian charity, and encouraging collaboration among all members of the Church – priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful. This vision later developed into the Union of Catholic Apostolate (UAC), a wider spiritual family inspired by Pallotti's ideals.
Today, the Pallottines operate in more than 40 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Oceania. They are involved in various apostolic and humanitarian activities such as:
The Society places strong emphasis on serving the poor, abandoned, and marginalized members of society. Pallottines work in schools, churches, hospitals, rural missions, seminaries, and social development centers. Their ministries seek not only to preach the Gospel but also to improve the living conditions of people through compassionate service.
The spirituality of the Pallottines is deeply rooted in the teachings of Saint Vincent Pallotti, who taught that every person is created in the image of God and called to holiness and apostolic action. The Society promotes unity, collaboration, and active participation in the life of the Church. They encourage individuals to use their talents and gifts for the good of society and the spread of Christian values.
Members of the Society live according to evangelical counsels and make promises to poverty, chastity, obedience, perseverance, sharing of resources, and spirit of service. Their Patroness is Mary, Queen of Apostles, who serves as a model of discipleship and missionary zeal.
Through their ministries and apostolic activities, the Pallottines continue to carry out the mission entrusted to them by Saint Vincent Pallotti: to renew faith, inspire charity, and make the love of Christ visible in the world.
The mother house of the Pallottines is now in Mbaukwu
Long before Father Peter Hillen came to Nigeria in 2007 to set up a mission, the Pallottines already had a close connection there. This was through Late Monsignor Dr. Martin Chukwubunna Ezeokoli, who met Pallottine Sister Clementia Burkhard SAC during his studies in Rome. As the Pallottine missionary secretary, she supported many seminarians. When Fr Martin returned to his diocese of Awka, he began forming Pallotti groups with students at Federal Polytechnic in Oko and working with them.
Slogan ‘Pallotti for action’ as a working programme
The slogan ‘Pallotti for Action – Action for Christ’ became a working programme, and the joy and dynamism of the students in Oko was heard as far away as Germany and Cameroon. Pastor Martin was invited to a symposium at our Pallottine University in Vallendar, whereupon the then Provincial Superior, Norbert Hannapel, together with Father Hillen (at that time rector of the seminary in Merrivale, South Africa), decided to visit Nigeria. In June 2001, the two were warmly and joyfully received in Oko.
The first Nigerian students were accepted for formation in South Africa, and in 2010, Fr John Ndidi Nwaocha became the first Nigerian Pallottine priest. Many Nigerian students followed.
In January 2007, Father Hillen decided to go to Nigeria as a tourist for the first time to explore possibilities for a mission station. There, Late Bishop Simon Okafor appointed him as chaplain at Holy Trinity Nanka Parish. He left Nanka after 15 months to open a formation house in Mbaukwu. Dr Peter Eche showed him a house that had originally been planned as a student residence for Catholic women. Father Hillen invested in the house, and after its completion it became the first postulancy house of the Pallottine Fathers in Nigeria.
Land donated by the King
King Anukwu donated land to the Pallottine Fathers to enable the community to have a permanent presence. To secure the future in Nigeria, a small student residence was built, along with a chicken, fish and pig farm. This was followed by a drinking water factory, ‘Pallotti Table Water’, and the Holy Trinity retreat and guest house, which was inaugurated by the local bishop, Dr Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, in October 2015. Professor Maurice Iwu donated the ‘Divine Mercy Grotto’. Barrister J. Asiebgu gave us Pallottine land in Uke so that the community could expand.
As Mission Secretary, Father Hillen was able to implement a number of social projects in the villages that have improved the living conditions of the poor and disadvantaged. Among other things, he was able to procure teaching materials for kindergartens and primary schools; he built youth centres in Nanka, Mbaukwu and Nimo; and two palm oil mills were built for women in Nanka and Mbaukwu.
The headquarters and youth centre of the Nigeria delegation have been inaugurated
The new headquarters of the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers and the new youth centre in Mbaukwu, Nigeria, were inaugurated in a ceremony on 29 September 2024. This will enable the delegation in Nigeria to better administer itself and to support young people. ‘I am pleased that we can now increasingly place responsibility for the delegation in Nigerian hands,’ said Provincial Father Markus Hau at the opening ceremony. This means that a vision has come true that his predecessor, Father Helmut Scharler, had already envisaged.
The centre in Mbaukwu is to be a place of youth apostolate, a place of residence for the brothers, a place of learning and evangelism, of prayer and spiritual activity, with the chapel at its centre, which was also inaugurated on this day.
The vision of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate is centered on:
The mission of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate is:
"God is all goodness, all love, all mercy."
Born in Rome on April 21, 1795, Vincent Pallotti was ordained a priest in 1818. He was known for his great charity, his deep prayer life, and his passionate desire to spread the faith.
On January 9, 1835, he founded the Society of the Catholic Apostolate to renew Catholicism, promote apostolic activity among the laity, and spread the faith to all peoples.
He died on January 22, 1850, and was canonized by Pope John XXIII on January 20, 1963. His feast day is celebrated on January 22.
The Pallottines are entrusted to the care of Mary, Queen of Apostles, who inspires and guides their apostolic mission.
Patroness of the Pallottines
Mary, Queen of Apostles, is the heavenly Patroness of the Pallottine Society. Saint Vincent Pallotti placed his congregation under her intercession, seeing in her the perfect model of apostolic zeal, humble service, and total surrender to God's will. She continues to inspire every Pallottine in their mission of faith and charity.
If you feel God calling you to the apostolic religious life, we invite you to explore a vocation with the Pallottine Society. We welcome men who are passionate about the Gospel and service to God's people.
Contact our vocation director or visit us at the Provincial House to learn more about our formation programme.
Contact Our Vocation Director
