Charity’s huge thank you for making World Mission Sunday 2024 such a success!
Missio – the Pope’s charity for world mission – has sent messagers of thanks and gratitude to all those acros the Catholic community who have helped to make this year’s World Mission Sunday a huge success.
“From parish collections to community dinners, your events, prayers, and donations strengthened and inspired the Church’s vital mission work in communities worldwide – as part of our global family’s efforts,” said Missio.
“You truly embodied Pope Francis’s message to ‘go and invite everyone to the banquet!’ People in every diocese contributed generously to collections and prayed for our world, demonstrating that the missionary spirit is alive and well in England and Wales.”
Among the many event reports received, St Patrick’s Church in Coventry (Birmingham Archdiocese) celebrated with a Mass in many languages: sharing music, traditions and, later, food from across the world. The Mass and parish gathering was organised by Sr Frances to show and celebrate the different cultures within the parish community.
At St Anne’s parish in Rock Ferry (Shrewsbury Diocese), the community gathered for Mass, followed by a wonderful meal which celebrated the many cultures and countries the parish has connections to. Missio supporters, Dee and David, took a moment to share their reaction to this special day:
Missio Parish coordinator, Catherine from Salford Diocese, started supporting Missio at a very young age – and has now been part of the Missio family for 50 years! She summed up the spirit of World Mission Sunday beautifully when she shared: ‘We should look after everyone, wherever they are. We need to look after people locally; further away; across the world – that’s the Universal Church’.
This year, the Holy Father’s exhortation to ‘go and invite everyone to the banquet!’ had many of us discussing what it really means to go out in the spirit of encounter, and to ensure everyone knows they have a seat at God’s table.
In his inspiring homily at Mass in Westminster Cathedral on World Mission Sunday, Fr Gerry MHM recounted a moment in east Africa when Sarah, a local lay-leader, demonstrated the true essence of this call with the simplest of ingredients: two boiled eggs and a bottle of soda. He explained: ‘There are many people throughout the world – lay people, catechists, Sisters and Priests – who are witnessing daily to God’s loving concern for all. They are trying to show, by their witness, that we are all truly beloved sons and daughters of God: no one excluded from his love. no one excluded from his table.’
Meanwhile, Missio supporter Tinu explained what Catholic mission means to her:
Fr Solomon, National Director of Missio Nigeria, got in touch with MissioUK head office to share his thanks for the support and to share the blessings and prayers of the congregations in Nigeria, who, like parishioners in every country where the Church has a presence, also donate and pray on Mission Sunday. He said: ‘As followers of Christ, we are all missionaries, our collective support on World Mission Sunday enables us to spread the Gospel and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.’
Meanwhile, Olwafunmilayo, Aderonke, and Helen, from Salford Diocese, chatted about their experiences of being part of a Universal Church. They agreed that it was wonderful to go anywhere in the world and find community there.
“For me, Mission is about revitalising; it’s about going out, reaching out to other people, to know about the Catholic faith, and proclaiming in the name of God and Jesus Christ,” said Aderonke.
How you can stay involved
While Mission Month may be over, the impact of your support continues throughout the year. Your generosity adds up to make an enormous difference in communities served by missionaries.
Father Anthony Chantry, Missio’s National Director, expressed his gratitude: ‘Thank you for celebrating World Mission Sunday. By supporting Missio, with prayer and charity, you are witnessing to the Risen Christ and the new life he offers all people now, and for all eternity.’
If you’d like to continue your support:
- It’s not too late to donate: give to our World Mission Sunday Appeal here>>
- Share a prayer: each week Missio dedicates their Mission Rosary to the intentions of the five continents. Join Missio on social media – find out how here>>
- Get inspired by the wonderful, vibrant celebrations that took place on World Mission Sunday 2024! Bring your parish family together for a parish meal, a walk, or the fundraising event of your choice. Find resources and tips here>>
Your ongoing commitment to Missio ensures that the Church can continue its vital work in some of the world’s poorest communities. Together, we are making a difference in communities worldwide, sharing God’s love and building a better future for all. Missio wishes to thank you for being part of this global mission of love and service.
Banner image: The wonderful volunteers and supporters of St Peter’s, Hazel Grove.