“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16
Dear Friend,
World Mission Day is a very important Sunday when Catholics from every parish, seminary, school, and convent from around the world have the opportunity to respond as one large community of Faith, to the Holy Father’s message to support missionaries through prayers, personal sacrifices and financial support.
The Society of the Propagation of the Faith, through World Mission Sunday, strives to enrich our Faith through collective support to people that struggle and live in some of the poorest dioceses.
Earlier this year, I was reading a Missions Today magazine dated from 2001*, the 75th anniversary of World Mission Sunday. I was impressed to see how Canadians supported mission projects in New Guinea, Ghana, and Kenya. Since that time, a great deal has changed. We passed a new millennium, became attached to new technologies such as iPhones, and recently had to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic that has had a life-altering impact on our daily lives.
With so many changes that we face, it is difficult to not flinch when faced with challenging experiences. During these times, we might be too hard on ourselves, our families, and friends, and we hope and pray that things will get better. Yet, despite all our problems and grumblings, there are people around the world that are faced with serious issues such as not have fresh drinking water or food, limited or no healthcare, and have a life expectancy of forty years. As bad as things are, people in the mission countries rely on our prayers and financial support to survive.
Earlier this year, a donor-family reached out to me and shared how she and members of her extended family endured a very challenging 2020. When I read her story, I was saddened to hear of their difficulties. However, I was impressed with their faith in prayer and with the words that she wrote to me, “God has been holding us close in His hands.” I want to remind everyone, God is always watching over you, and your prayers and faith in Him will always help you through difficult times.
World Mission Sunday
World Mission Sunday allows individuals to reflect on what we have been given through Christ which gives us the opportunity to share and offer gifts to those in great need. This empowers us to rejoice in unity as Children of God, and collectively become missionary disciples. Giving to missions helps people to reconnect and contribute to doing God’s work and is an extension of our Faith that helps bring the Gospel to all. It also provides important pastoral and evangelizing programs, education, catechists, and healthcare. The Holy Father views World Mission Day as a declaration of one’s faith. It is a day that is very important to Catholics all around the world. His Holiness seeks the support and leadership of each Bishop and Diocese, to contribute to its success.
“To change the world, we must be good to those who cannot repay us”
Supporting Missions is our Faith
Funding missions is a very important part of the Universal Church. Contributing to World Mission Day builds a world-wide bond among our faithful, to collectively demonstrate one’s generosity and commitment to Christ. The people and missions that receive our help do not have much, they search for Bibles, shelter, food, and pray that one day, they might be able to build a comfortable place to worship their God. Your gift provides the means for some of the poorest dioceses to experience growth through church renovations, to build mission chapels, and to provide needed healthcare. More importantly, it also helps many dioceses continue to exist and to flourish. These are all things we may take for granted in Canada.
Our Goal is to EXCEED $195,000
Supporting missionaries may come across as an “another” envelope or collection in your parish. But it is not! It is such an important part of our Universal Church that the Holy Father as deemed it a pontifical event…very worthy of his blessing and your financial support as a missionary and someone that is devoted to Propagation of the Faith.
As we reflect on the importance of World Missions Day, imagine if there were no missions. As a priest, I cannot imagine that because missionary work is so closely connected to the life of Jesus. I know that there are thousands of missionaries, Brothers and Sisters, in countries and diocese all around the world, doing extraordinary works, helping so many people, and the word of the Lord is spreading throughout the world. We need your help this year as we continue the important work as missionaries of God. Please share your gifts generously, and pray for those needing Faith and God in their lives.
Sincerely,
Reverend Alex Osei C.S. Sp.
National Director
