Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
World Mission Sunday 2026, celebrated on Oct. 17-18, marks the 100th anniversary of its establishment by Pope Pius XI in 1926. This centenary offers a special opportunity to renew our missionary zeal and unite in prayer and solidarity to support the Church’s mission throughout the world.
This year is especially significant for Catholics in the United States because of the Sept. 24 beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Though widely known for his television ministry, writings and eloquence, he often said, “My greatest love has always been for the missions of the Church.” As national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States for 16 years, he championed World Mission Sunday and directed its proceeds to mission territories. We can confidently rely on his intercession for World Mission Sunday 2026.
The theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV, “One in Christ, United in Mission,” invites us to rediscover our unity in Christ through baptism and to live our shared call to bring others into communion with God and one another. In his message, Pope Leo teaches that “the mystery of union with Christ lies at the heart of mission.” He explains that “being a Christian
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