Pope Francis | Diocese of Phoenix/Facebook

For more than 70 years, the Epiphany, celebrated Jan. 6, has shared the stage with Missionary Childhood Day.

Pope Francis’ published a tweet this year focusing on the second aspect of the day, with the promise youth offer the Church.

“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.”

The origins of Missionary Childhood Day, first called World Holy Childhood Day, date to Pope Pius X1, who established the celebration in December 1950 with the goals of raising awareness of the Pontifical Missionary Childhood Society and inspiring children to show God's compassion to those in need.

There are four Pontifical Mission Societies, one of which is the Society of Holy Childhood. It was created in 1843 by French Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson. The Society of Holy Childhood, known in some circles as Mission Together, is still carrying out its mission in 130 countries across the world. Its motto is “Children evangelize children, children pray for children, children help children all over the world,” the Istituto Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice says.

The group gives it young members the responsibility of out its objective, thus empowering them to make a difference. The Missionary Childhood Society aims to develop a missionary spirit and leadership in children. It does this by encouraging them to share material resources and their faith with those in need. It provides an avenue for young missionaries to help educate and form connections with Christian children the world over. Since its founding 180 years ago, missionary kids from every continent have maintained the dedication and done the work that sets them on the path to Jesus.