PROPAGANDA, a shortened name for the congregatio de propaganda fide (congregation for propagating the faith), founded by Gregory XV in 1622. It consists of a number of car dinals with the cardinal prefect at their head, has a general secretary and a vast number of inferior agents or employees. A special section is devoted to the Oriental rites. It is the cen tral missonary association of the whole Roman Catholic Church, and superintends and guides missionary operations in all parts of the world. Under its direct control are now all countries in Europe and America where the ecclesiastical hierarchy is not established. Connected with it is the collegium seu seminarium de propaganda fide, usually called the Collegium Urbanum after its founder, Urban VIII, who instituted it in 1627 for the education of missionaries, students of all nationalities subject to the Propaganda being here received and trained and maintained free of expense, from the age of 14 years. Converts to the Roman Catholic Church who have come to Rome are instructed and supported by its funds. Bishops and other
clergy who have been missionaries are also wel comed and supported there. The Roman Propaganda had, until within recent years, a printing-press, celebrated for the works which issued from it. The efforts of the propaganda are directed particularly to countries outside of Europe. In close connection with it stand a number of seminaries or colleges for mission aries in various countries, including the United States. (See Missims). Consult Benigni, U., 'Propaganda' ('Catholic Encyclopedia,> Vol. XII, New York 1911) ; Freri, J., 'Missionary Work of the Church> (New York 1908); Mar tinis, R. de, 'Ins Pontificum de Propaganda Fide' (7 viols. , Rome 1889-98); Mejer, 0., 'Die Propaganda, ihre Provinzen und ihr Red& (2 vols., Gottingen 1852-53); Pieper, A., 'Griin dung und Erste Einrichtung der Propaganda Kongregation> (Munich 1901).