Ninety years of the Red Box

For over 90 years, the Red Box has been a familiar presence in Catholic homes across England and Wales – uniting the vision of Blessed Pauline Jaricot and the missionary initiative of Fr Thomas Jackson MHM.

Born in 1799 in Lyon, France, Pauline Jaricot used to gather Catholics into small groups to pray and give a weekly offering to support missionaries. In 1822, she founded the Association for the Propagation of the Faith (Missio’s APF), which was later recognised by Pope Pius XI as the Church’s official mission organisation – known today as Missio.

Born in 1844 in Preston, England, Thomas Jackson grew up in a poor family. Despite financial hardship, he pursued a vocation to the priesthood with the Mill Hill Missionaries – which had been founded in 1866 by Cardinal Vaughan. Thanks to the generosity of others, Fr Thomas was able to complete his training which shaped his determination to help future missionaries.

After serving in Afghanistan and Borneo, Fr Thomas returned to England in 1899 and introduced a simple idea: a small collection box, encouraging people to give whatever they could to the work of mission.

In 1936, the Mill Hill Missionaries and Missio’s APF united their efforts and adopted a single approach: the Red Box. This partnership continues to flourish, combining prayer and practical support for missionaries worldwide. In doing so, it fulfils Blessed Pauline Jaricot’s vision: supporting the spread of the Gospel throughout the world and Fr Thomas Jackson’s commitment to training future Mill Hill Missionaries.

Today, the Red Box remains a quiet but powerful presence in homes: reminding us that even the smallest acts of generosity, offered in faith, can help transform lives across the world.