PROPAGAN'DA (Lat. De Propaganda Fide, regarding the propagation of the faith), the name of a congregation, and also of a college, in Rome, the object of which is to direct and forward the propagation of the Catholic religion, especially among the heathen; although Christian dissenters from the Roman church are also included in the sphere of its operations. The institution was originated by pope Gregory XIII. (1572-84): but it was fully organized by Gregory XV., who, by a bull of June 22, 1622, established a special congregation for this purpose, which his. successor, Urban VIII., extend( d and endowed, and to which he annexed a college for the education of missionaries to the several countries; one great feature of which has been to provide for such work natives of the several countries, who are conveyed to Rome at an early age for the purpose of being specially educated in all the necessary learning of a missionary. The congregation consists of a number of cardinals appointed for life, one of whom is prefect, and who are assisted by a secretary, and by a number of consulters, clerks (minutonti); and other officials. This congregation conducts the affairs not only of the missionary countries, properly so called, but also of those—as England, the northern kingdoms, etc.—in which the hierarchical organization is not, or has not been full and formal. The Catholic
church in these kingdoms is directly subject to the propaganda iu all the details of its government. The college of the propaganda is a noble institution, containing nearly 200. pupils of all countries, tongues, and complef.ons, who are not only maintained and edu cated gratuitously from a very early age, but are equipped and sent forward to several destinations at the charge of the institution. The operations of both college and congregation have been somewhat embarrassed by diminution of funds, consequent on the appropriation of ecclesiastical property to public purpoSes' in the kingdom of Italy; but the want is in a great measure supplied by voluntary offerings. The propaganda. college contains a most valuable library and tnuseum, and a polyglot printing-press. Its great festival is the epiphany of our Lord, or of his " manifestation to the Gentiles;" and this feast is celebrated by an exhibition of exceeding interest and curiosity, in which are delivered recitations in every language represented in the college or its missions, amounting often to 50 or 60. Of this festival the celebrated cardinal Mezzofanti (q.v.> used to be the guiding spirit. It continues to be one.of the chief literary sights of the Roman winter.