Jeanne Bigard (1859-1934) was moved by a plea from the French Bishop of Nagasaki, Japan, for financial assistance to train local Japanese men for the priesthood.
With her mother, Stephanie, Jeanne inspired the people in her hometown of Caen, France, to raise money for the training of priests and religious men and women in Nagasaki, so they could minister to their local communities.
Jeanne devoted her life to this work, and in 1889 it became known as the Society of St Peter Apostle, named after the Church's first priest, St Peter. Thus was born the idea of a general society to promote indigenous clergy throughout the world.
Today Catholic Mission continues to provide support for the education and training of:
- local men for the priesthood
- women for religious life
- teachers
- catechists