As Catholics marked the Epiphany, Pope Francis took a moment to highlight a secondary celebration.

“On the Feast of Epiphany, World Missionary Childhood Day is celebrated,” Pope Francis tweeted. “I greet all the boys and girls who everywhere in the world are spreading the joy of being Jesus' friends, and are dedicated through prayer, sacrifice and offerings, to support the missionaries of the Gospel.”

Jan. 6 has honored both things for more than 70 years, after Pope Pius XI established Missionary Childhood Day in December 1950. The day was first called World Holy Childhood Day. Although its name has changed, its purpose hasn’t. It aims to raise awareness of the Pontifical Missionary Childhood Society and to inspire children to show God's compassion to those in need around the world.

French Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson created the Society of Holy Childhood, one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies, in 1843. Some parts of the world refer to it now as Mission Together. Regardless of its name, the Society of Holy Childhood continues to serve in 130 countries across the globe. Its motto, according to Istituto Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice, is: “Children evangelize children, children pray for children, children help children all over the world.”

The Society of Holy Childhood empowers youth by giving them responsibility. Through its mission, it aims to develop a missionary spirit and leadership in children by encouraging them to share faith and material resources with the neediest children. It gives young missionaries and today's leaders the chance to educate and form connections with children around the globe. In its 180 years, young missionaries have upheld the work and maintained the dedication that sets them on the path to Jesus.