Message on the occasion of 2007 World Mission Sunday
On 21 October 2007, the Catholic Church around the world will observe World Mission Sunday. This annual observance was instituted 80 years ago in 1926 by a papal decree issued by Pope Pius XI. Every year since then, the universal Church dedicates the month of October to reflection on and prayer for the missions. On the second last Sunday of October, Catholics gather to celebrate Eucharist and to contribute to a collection for the work of evangelization around the world.
The Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith has been asked to organize this day on behalf of missions and missionaries. Funds collected are made available to the Universal solidarity fund and the Pontifical Society look after the distribution of these funds to the young churches in mission lands, especially the poorest.
Pope Benedict XVI in his message for World Mission Sunday 2007 has selected “All the Churches for all the World” as the theme for this year’s World Mission Sunday, 21 October 2007.
World Mission Sunday truly belongs to the whole world. It is celebrated in every country, in every diocese, in every parish, even the poorest. Let us be part of this great act of solidarity in prayer, in sacrifice and in generous giving.
+ Richard Grecco
Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto
Ponens, Society for the Propagation of the Faith for Canada, English Sector