The Power of World Mission Sunday: A Call to Support and Strengthen
Amidst the vibrant setting of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana, two prominent figures in the Catholic Church, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Cardinal Christophe Pierre, gathered to emphasize the vital role of World Mission Sunday, to be observed on October 20th. This day holds immense significance for over 1,100 territories worldwide that are in dire need of support and assistance.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Pro-Prefect for the Section of First Evangelization of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization, and Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, are urging for a revival of the missionary spirit to aid those in need across the globe.
During the congress, the Cardinals unveiled the materials that will be utilized this year in the majority of Dioceses in the United States to promote the 98th World Mission Sunday. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this year, “Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet,” encapsulates the essence of the day.
Emphasizing that World Mission Sunday transcends a mere collection day, Cardinal Pierre highlighted the event as an opportunity to reaffirm the Church’s commitment to evangelization and provide unwavering support to missions worldwide.
World Mission Sunday was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1926 through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Since then, it has evolved into a day of universal solidarity, aimed at assisting over 1,100 dioceses and offering practical aid to the less fortunate through local churches.
The Pontifical Mission Societies (TPMS) play a crucial role in supporting missions and young Churches globally. Through a network of societies, including the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious, resources are distributed equitably to mission territories. This direct link between churches fosters a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.
Cardinal Pierre stressed the importance of World Mission Sunday in reawakening the Church’s universal mission aspect, noting Pope Francis’s pioneering missionary efforts. Cardinal Tagle echoed this sentiment and urged for a revival of the missionary spirit within parishes. He emphasized the grassroots origins of the Mission Societies and highlighted the need to share stories from mission territories to ignite passion and compassion in communities.
As we prepare for World Mission Sunday, let us join hands in solidarity with those in need around the world. Let us embody the true essence of the Church as a universal mission and extend the light of Christ to every corner of the globe.
