Spreading the love of God and helping those in need is what our catholic church teaches us. By helping others come unto Him, we will find that we have come unto Him ourselves. Keeping this in mind, we celebrate the World Mission Day.
World Mission Sunday is a day when Catholics around the world come together as a community of faith, to recommit to being missionaries through prayer, baptism, participating in the Eucharist, and giving towards the collection for the society for the propagation of the Faith. This day was instituted in the year 1926, by Pope Pius XI, to renew the Catholic Church’s commitment to missionary work and to recognize the common responsibility of Christians to evangelize the world. This day is celebrated on the penultimate Sunday in October and this year (2024), the World Mission Sunday will be celebrated on the 20th October.
Each year the Pope sends a message to the entire Church for its celebration of World Mission Day. The theme, chosen by Pope Francis for the mission Sunday this year, is rooted in the Gospel of Mathew: “Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet,” reflecting the inclusive and urgent call to bring God’s love to everyone.
Our missionaries work in very hostile conditions, to spread the Good news to the impoverished society. As followers of Christ, it is our duty to support missionaries who are working tirelessly to bring hope, love & faith to those who are marginalized and suffering.
Every year, the church collects donations at the worldwide masses, to support churches, hospitals, schools and vocation in countries where church is young, new or poor. This is a perfect time, where we can learn how to give as an offering to God. Prayer is the second requirement for missionary work. Jesus said “without me you can do nothing (John 15:5). Therefore a prayer is necessary for anyone who wishes to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour and for everyone who preaches the good news in his life.
In addition to praying and supporting missionaries, it is also a time to reflect our role in spreading the message of Christ. The Spirit of the Lord is on us, and He has anointed us to preach the good news to the poor. So this year let us not forget to be a part of the World Mission Day on 20th October, to renew our commitment to the church missionary work.
-Meena Vaz