Pontifical Missionary Children (PMC) is a global Catholic movement for children aged 0–14, formed under the patronage of the Roman Pontiff. It was founded in 1843 by Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson of France after he learned of the tragic killing of children in China, including baby girls and children with disabilities. PMC was established to gather children, nurture them in the Christian faith, and ensure they received education, protection, and dignity.
At Holy Family Minor Basilica, PMC is a vibrant and flourishing group under the oversight of the Youth Board. The children grow through ongoing catechesis, prayer, recollection, and active liturgical involvement. They animate the Children’s Mass on the first three Sundays and the main church on the last Sunday of every month through song, dance, and liturgical service. Their patron, St. Maria Goretti, inspires them with her purity of heart, courage, and steadfast faith.
Chaplain: Rev. Fr. Robert
Special Initiatives
PMC Role Models (JSS Subgroup):
Designed for Junior Secondary School children under the patronage of the Fatima children. Activities include catechesis, life skills, seminars, sports, team building, and values formation rooted in the Gospel.
Today, PMC is part of the Pontifical Mission Societies, supporting vulnerable children worldwide through spiritual formation and practical assistance such as food, clothing, education, and medical care. Guided by its motto Children Helping Children, the movement forms children to become young missionaries of love, empathy, and service within the Church and society.
To raise compassionate, faith-filled, and globally conscious children who serve the Church and society.
To empower children through formation, acts of service, and educational programs that strengthen faith, leadership, and missionary spirit.
PMC Role Models: Focused on deeper formation for JSS learners, encouraging Christian virtues such as love, respect, responsibility, honesty, self-control, humility, kindness, peace-making, patience, prayerfulness, and service.
St. Maria Goretti (Overall PMC Patron)
St. Maria Goretti, known for her purity, forgiveness, and unwavering love for God, is the patron saint of the PMC. Her courage inspires children to live with kindness, faith, and a spirit of forgiveness. She reminds them that holiness is possible even at a young age.
Patrons for PMC Role Models: St. Jacinta, St. Francisco & Venerable Lucia
The PMC Role Models subgroup draws inspiration from the three shepherd children of Fatima. St. Jacinta, St. Francisco, and Venerable Lucia responded wholeheartedly to Mary’s call with prayer, sacrifice, and compassion. Their example teaches children that simple acts done with love can bring hope to the world.
To respond to the evolving needs of children and the school system, the PMC Role Models subgroup was launched by Archbishop Philip Anyolo. This group brings together Junior Secondary School children who continue to live the motto Children Helping Children under the example of the three shepherd children of Fatima.
PMC Role Models take part in all PMC activities, with added focus on:
• deeper catechesis
• seminars and faith formation
• life skills and character development
• team building
• sports and creative activities
Their activities are mainly parish-based, with deanery-level participation whenever possible. These children are recognized by their Christian character, striving to live virtues such as love, respect, honesty, responsibility, humility, patience, kindness, prayerfulness, peace-making, and service to others.
Formation and Recollection
Continuous catechesis, Christian formation, and spiritual guidance.
Mass Participation
Children’s Mass on the first three Sundays of the month. PMC animation in the Main Church on the last Sunday of the month. Quarterly Mass with the whole congregation.
Missions
Outreach and charity activities that embody Children Helping Children.
PMC welcomes children aged 0 to 14 years. Parents are encouraged to support their children’s missionary journey.
Requirement: A commitment to the PMC motto and active participation in formation and parish activities.
Ready to join our community or learn more? We’d love to hear from you.
Visit Us
Cardinal Otunga Annex (1st Floor) Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m
Call Us
+254 712 311 394
Email Us
info@holyfamilybasilica.org