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A CENTURY OF WORLD MISSION SUNDAY. AND YOU ARE PART OF IT!

· Published · 2 minute read

18 October 2026 marked the hundredth World Mission Sunday. Pope Leo XIV’s theme and three practical ways to take part.

Pope Leo XIV on St Peter’s loggia after his election, 8 May 2025. Archive photograph.

A prayer, a donation, a question at your parish. Mission can begin with these small steps. 18 October 2026 marked the hundredth World Mission Sunday, established by Pope Pius XI in 1926.

One in Christ, united in mission

This is Pope Leo XIV’s chosen theme. His message connects sharing the Gospel with communion: reconciled communities that cooperate and support one another give credibility to their witness.

The invitation includes every baptised person, in their particular circumstances and vocation. Mission is not limited to people who leave for another continent.

Remembering Peru

In his video message released on 7 October, Leo XIV recalls his missionary service in Peru. He describes how the faithful’s prayers and offerings supported his work and that of countless other missionaries. Such help connects distant people who may never meet.

Giving becomes practical support

World Mission Sunday collections support missionary needs through the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith. The papal message stresses shared responsibility and the value of small gifts, supporting communities that need assistance.

Three ways to take part

Pray for a missionary; contribute to your parish collection according to your means; ask the local mission group which project it supports and what is needed.

Those who stay can also make room, listen and help. A practical question beyond that Sunday: who could I build a lasting connection with, beyond the collection itself?

Videomessaggio per la Giornata Missionaria Mondiale — 7 october 2026 (in inglese)
Source: Vatican News ↗

SOURCES AND FURTHER READING

Photo credits

ONE MORE STORY?

Pilgrims heading to the vigil at World Youth Day Lisbon 2023. Archive photograph, not the 2026 Jesus Youth audience.
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BENT OVER FOR EIGHTEEN YEARS. JESUS CALLS HER NEAR.

You arrive, say hello and sit down. Somebody asks whether you brought the document, can move a chair or have finished the work. Nothing unusual. Yet on the way home you realise nobody asked how you were. Perhaps you did not ask the person beside you either.

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EVERYONE IS LOOKING FOR YOU. AND YOU CANNOT FIND YOURSELF

Your coffee is still too hot, but you have already answered three messages. One concerns work, another dinner, another begins with a tiny request that will not remain tiny. You sit down and remember someone to call. Another name appears on your phone. Nothing dramatic has happened. Yet before the day has started, you already feel behind in other people’s lives.