French Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson founded the Holy
Childhood Association 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
generous spirit.
The response to Bishop Forbin-Janson's appeal was
extraordinary. In a few years, the unique concept of
"children helping children" spread not only
throughout his native France, but all over Europe, then to
North America, Latin America and Asia, and in the last 40
years, to Africa.
HCA was established in 1846 in the United States, first in
New Orleans, Louisiana, and later in Baltimore, Maryland.
Today, its National Office is located in New York City
with diocesan HCA offices nationwide.
HCA 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 HCA today.
French Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson founded the Holy
Childhood Association 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
generous spirit.