HNS BRIEF:

1. The Holy Name Society of the Philippines is a confraternity of the Catholic
Church founded by POPE BLESSED GREGORY X in 1270 to promote respect for the HOLY NAME OF GOD AND JESUS; o promote respect for the SAINTS and HOLY THINGS.

It is now 733 years old. I will live as long as the Catholic Church lives.

2. In the English specking countries like the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
and the PHILIPPINES the HNS is ORGANIZED as a CATHOLIC ACTION ASSOCIATION. The Bishops of the Philippines gave the HNS the mandate to operate as a catholic action organization in 1950. Its National Board was then organized.

3. The HNS is established in many parishes. Where there are at least five (5) Parish Units they can organized the Arch/Diocesan Union with its own officers. It is under the direct of the Local Bishop or the duly appointed priest diocesan Union Director.

4. To established the Holy Name Society of the Parish three (3) things are required:

a.) the permission of the Local Arch/Bishop;
b.) the permission of the Local Parish Priest;
c.) the Charter of the Canonical Erection from the HNS National Office.

When the HNS is canonically erected, the LEADERS of the association under the guidance of the Parish Priest of the Spiritual Director can start recruiting prospective members who, after proper instruction, shall be inducted in appropriated ceremonies. The officials elected shall also be inducted.

5. In the beginning only men were admitted into the Holy Name Society both in
USA and in the Philippines for good reason. Since the 27th National Convention in Antipolo the National Board and the National Convention decided to accept women in the association. The establishment of the JUNIOR HOLY NAME SOCIETY was also encouraged.

6. However, the Local Bishops and Parish Priests can decide on the Policy of membership. There are several possible policies:

a.) Only Catholic Men can be members;
b.) Catholic Women, especially the wives of the Holy Name Men can become member of the HNS;
c.) Young men and women from 12 to 18 years old can form the JUNIOR HOLY NAME SOCIETY. (19 years old and above may join the Senior Holy Name Society)

7. The Parish Holy Name Society under the guidance and direction of the Parish Priest or Spiritual Director has autonomy inspite of its membership in the Diocesan Union and the National Association. And so,

a.) It can decide to elect and appoint only officers that are truly needed
b.) It can form only such COMMITTEES which are truly useful and needed in the Parish.

8. The distinctive Insigna of the Holy Name Society is the Holy Name Pin. Members are also given I.D. and membership cars. There is also a Holy Name Manual for members use.

9. The IDEALS AND VALUES of the Holy Name Society are expressed in the HOLY NAME PLEDGE ad HYMN.

10. To support the PROPAGATION of the Holy Name Society throughout the Country, the NATIONAL HNS FOUNDATION has been established and duly registered with SEC. Permanent membership donation is TWO THOUSAND PESOS (P2,000.00). All HNS Unions, Parish Units and individual officers and members may become permanent members are exempted from annual dues to the National Office.