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On 19 October 2008, the Catholic Church around the world will observe World Mission Sunday. On that occasion, Most Rev. Richard Grecco, Bishop Ponens, Society for the Propagation of the Faith for Canada, has issued a message.

Dear Friends in Christ,

On October 19, 2008 the Catholic Church throughout the world will observe World Mission Sunday.  Although officially initiated in 1926, the missionary spirit gripped the early Church with the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.  The theme adopted by His Holiness for 2008 is Proclaim the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth.

Pope Benedict XVI urges us, in this Jubilee Year of St. Paul, to look to him as the model missionary.  The Spirit of the Pentecost is echoed in his words to the Colossians, “So we preach Christ to everyone.  With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one into God’s presence as a mature individual in union with Christ.” (Col 1:28)

Let us take the opportunity of this Pauline year to pray for a deeper understanding of the missionary spirit that aims at liberation and hope for all people that only Christ can fulfill.

The Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith has been asked to organize World Mission Sunday October 19, 2008 on behalf of missions and missionaries, to see that all funds are made available to the universal solidarity fund and to look after the distribution of these funds to the young churches in mission lands, especially the poorest.

Your generous support and love for Christ assists the Pontifical Society for the propagation of the Faith to “Proclaim the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth”.

Please pray and give generously on October 19.

Sincerely Yours in Christ.

Richard Grecco
Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto

• Message of Pope Benedict XVI for the 82nd World Mission Sunday
• Pontifical Mission Societies - Canada