 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 Society for 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 de 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 also all over Europe, then to North America, Latin America and Asia, and in the last 40 years, to Africa.
HCA was established in the United States in 1846, 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.
Pope Pius XI raised HCA to the status of “Pontifical” in 1922.
Bishop de Forbin-Janson’s motto of “Children Helping Children” continues to guide HCA today.
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