Here am I, send me (Is 6:8)

• What is the history of the World Mission Sunday?

• The World Mission Sunday was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1926 as the day of prayer for missions.
• The World Mission Sunday is celebrated on the third Sunday of October by all Catholic communities throughout the world.
• This year, the celebration of the World Mission Sunday is on October 18, 2020.

• What are the goals of the World Mission Sunday?

The World Mission Sunday is meant for:

• Reminding Christians about the fundamental missionary character of the Church and of every baptized person.
• Encouraging prayers for the mission of the Church and for all men and women who entirely dedicate their lives for the preaching of the Gospel to those who do not know Jesus Christ
• Cooperation and help for missions through material and financial donations in order to allow the Church to support those in need all over the World.

• What are the activities organized for the World Mission Sunday?

For the World Mission Sunday Christian communities undertake some activities like:

• Praying the missionary rosary;
• Adoration of the Blessed sacrament;
• Sharing on biblical vocation stories;
• Listening to the testimonies of men and women directly involved in the mission of the Church;
• Visit to people and group of people who are not familiar to the Gospel and the Church;
• Organizing fundraising activities in order to financially support the mission of the Church.
• And you, what is your activity for this coming World Mission Sunday?

• What about this year?

• For the World Mission Sunday 2020, Pope Francis has published a message entitled: Here am I, send me(Is6:8). In that message, he pointed out that in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic, the missionary journey of the Church continues in response to the Lord’s question “Whom shall I send?” (Is 6:8).

• Even today, Christians, therefore, are to respond to God’s invitation, “because He Himself is Love, Love that is always ‘on mission’, always reaching out in order to give life.”

• Pope Francis continues saying that the celebration of World Mission Sunday is “an occasion for reaffirming how prayer, reflection and the material help of your offerings are so many opportunities to participate actively in the mission of Jesus in his Church.” 

• The Pope finishes his message by these words: “The charity expressed in the Mission Sunday collections is aimed at supporting the missionary work carried out in my name by the Pontifical Mission Societies, in order to meet the spiritual and material needs of peoples and Churches throughout the world, for the salvation of all”

• What happens to your Mission Sunday Donation?

• Collections are sent to the bishop’s office or to the diocesan office of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS).
• Then all donations are managed in Rome by the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS).
• There is a list of the projects and programs in the Missions that need support from the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
• The directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) look carefully at each of these requests for help and then vote to decide what projects are most in need of assistance so that the “Good News” of Jesus – and His love and peace – may reach all peoples, in all nations.
• Once these allocations are decided, funds are distributed directly to the Missions.

• How can you help support vocations to the Missions?

• You can offer your prayers and personal sacrifices for the work of the Society of St. Peter Apostle.
• The Pontifical Society of St. Peter Apostle supports some 30,000 seminarians (major/minor) all over the world including those of our Country Sierra Leone.
• You can help our students in the Major Seminary as they prepare for the priesthood.
• You can send your donation to the formation Staff of the Saint Paul’s Major Seminary /Regent-Freetown or to any bishop’s office of our Country.
• Your gift may be directed towards the formation of men and women novices preparing for a life of service as Religious Brothers and Sisters.