Missionaries
- In response to questions about who is a missionary in the Catholic Church:
- A missionary is any person engaged in proclaiming the Gospel and performing charitable works for the Church. The Code of Canon Law (Canon 781) defines mission as: “The activity by which the Church, sent by Christ, proclaims the Gospel and instills the faith in the hearts of people.” This includes all forms of consecrated and ministerial life, provided they are part of an effort to evangelize or serve people.
- Religious congregations in France and abroad.
- Monks and nuns: Even among contemplative orders, their life of prayer is considered a spiritual mission for the Church (e.g., the Trappists, Carthusians). Active orders (e.g., Benedictines, Franciscans): They often run schools, hospitals, and community farms.
- Secular priests: They carry out missionary work directly in their parishes (catechesis, aid to the poor, social projects). Example: A parish priest in Africa who builds a school falls within our scope.
- Parishes: A parish is the quintessential missionary organization (evangelization + charitable works).
