October 16, 2024 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, As we gather in communion this World Mission Sunday, I extend to you a heartfelt invitation from Pope Francis, inspired by the Gospel: "Go and invite everyone to the banquet (cf. Mt. 22:9)." This message, rooted in the parable of the wedding banquet, calls us to a renewed sense of mission, inviting all to partake in the Lord's feast of love and salvation. Over a century ago, our own Catholic Church in the United States was nurtured through the generosity of the Universal Church with the donations given to the World Mission Sunday Collection. Now, we are called to extend that same generosity to our sisters and brothers in over 1,150 mission territories across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Pacific Islands, and the Middle East. The collection on World Mission Sunday is a vital lifeline directly supporting seminaries, future religious sisters, catechists, Catholic schools, and healthcare centers that provide essential care, embodying the love of Christ. As members of the Catholic Church, which is universal by its very nature, we are invited to participate actively in this mission. Our contributions and prayers on World Mission Sunday support the Church's vital work of evangelization, inviting all to experience the joy and hope found in Christ. I urge you to respond generously to this call. Let us unite in prayer for the success of the Church's missionary activities and for the missionaries who dedicate their lives to spreading the Gospel. Your generosity is a powerful witness to the love and compassion at the heart of our faith. May the Holy Spirit invigorate our missionary zeal and deepen our commitment to sharing the joy of the Gospel with all. Thank you for your dedication to this cause and for your continued prayers and support for the Church's mission. Let us pray that the Lord may help us to be a more missionary Church, reaching out to every corner of the earth with His message of love and salvation. Gratefully yours in Christ, |
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