Against the background of the secular traditions of other religious institutes, the history of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, lasting only 170 years, is relatively brief. Saint Vincent Pallotti founded the Society as a community of priests and brothers in Rome in 1835. It is worth noting that many other religious congregations and communities were also born in the 19th century.

In 1846 the community of priests and brothers gathered around Saint Vincent Pallotti received a new home at the Church of San Salvatore in Onda. Among the first collaborators of Pallotti were representatives of different nations, including Italy, France and Portugal. This group of collaborators was the first to make their consecration as Pallottines.

The history of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate is an interesting example of how the ideas and intentions of founders take on the form of social life within the Church. The dynamic and uncertain history of the Society after the death of the Founder in 1850 may be summarized through important landmarks: in 1854 the Holy See recommended changing the name to the Pious Society of the Missions; towards the end of the 19th century the Pallottines experienced rapid development and new communities were born in Europe, Africa and the Americas; in 1947 the original name Society of the Catholic Apostolate was restored; and in 1968 the Extraordinary General Chapter dealt with the rediscovery of the original idea of the Founder.

As a priest, St. Vincent Pallotti assisted the poor, the sick and the marginalized; founded orphanages, institutions of charity and shelters; gave spiritual assistance to soldiers, workers, students and prisoners; promoted and animated religious fraternities and associations; served as spiritual director in several Roman seminaries and communities of sisters; dedicated much time to the sacrament of reconciliation; preached missions in Roman parishes; promoted the religious formation of youth through evening classes and other institutions; cared for the Christian formation of the laity, religious and clergy; advanced the printing apostolate; encouraged missionary activity; gave special attention to the problems of the Christian Orient; promoted the celebration of the Epiphany Octave as a witness to the unity and universality of the Church; served as Rector of Santo Spirito, the Neapolitan National Church; and founded the Union of Catholic Apostolate.

Inspired by Saint Vincent Pallotti's motto, "The love of Christ impels us," the Society of the Catholic Apostolate works throughout the world to further the Catholic Church's mission to renew faith and rekindle love. As part of the Union of Catholic Apostolate, the Society of the Catholic Apostolate is a group of priests and brothers known as the Pallottines. Pallottine priests and brothers share a life of community, prayer and apostolic work. They follow the ideas of their founder, Saint Vincent Pallotti, who wanted to reawaken faith and love among Catholics.

To remain faithful to Saint Vincent Pallotti's call to revive faith and rekindle charity, Pallottine priests and brothers promise the Society consecrated celibacy, poverty, obedience, perseverance, the sharing of resources and a spirit of service. These promises are a sign of the desire to live in a community devoted to service to the people of God. Saint Vincent Pallotti saw ministry as having two purposes: to love God and to shower God's love on others.