Mission Month 2017

Since 1926, the Catholic Church has reflected on its universal mission during the month of October. The theme for Mission Month 2017 is 'Reach Out, Spread the Joy'. In his message for Mission Sunday, Pope Francis highlights the importance of living the Gospel.

Image courtesy of www.waterfordlismore.ie

Sunday October 22nd is World Mission Sunday with events taking place across the globe reminding all Christians of the importance of being missionary.

In a message released ahead of World Mission Sunday, Pope Francis emphasises, through a quote from Pope Benedict XVI, how mission is at the very heart of the Christian faith.

"Let us never forget that 'being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a Person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction'."

The pontiff continued:

"The world vitally needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the Church, Christ continues his mission as the Good Samaritan, caring for the bleeding wounds of humanity, and as Good Shepherd, constantly seeking out those who wander along winding paths that lead nowhere."

Through the month of October, World Missions Ireland (WMI) have organised a number of mission related events including a film screening of "Thanks to Your Noble Shadow", a mass for benefactors and returned missionaries, the National Day of Prayer for Children and the second Miles for Mission walk/fun run in the Phoenix Park.

Mission Month events will conclude this Sunday, 22nd October, with RTÉ televising a mass on behalf of World Missions Ireland at 11am. The Chief Celebrant will be Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly, SMA.

- Links

Click here to visit the WMI website.

Click here to read the Pope's full message.