Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Today's feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (1873-1897), proclaimed Patroness of the Missions in 1927 with St. Francis Xavier, marks the beginning of Missionary October, which will culminate in the celebration for World Mission Day, the third Sunday of the month, this year October, 23. In some countries, the Day is moved to another Sunday of the month. Throughout the world the Catholic Church celebrates the Month of the Missions in October, remembering the duty of every baptized person to collaborate in the universal mission of the Church. October was chosen as the missionary month to commemorate the discovery of America, which opened a new page in the history of evangelization.
The annual Message of the Holy Father Benedict XVI for Mission Day, which this year's theme is "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (Jn 20:21), recalls that "The universal mission involves all , foremost and always. The Gospel is not an exclusive good for those who have received it, but it is a gift to share, good news to communicate. And this gift-commitment is given not only to some, but to all the baptized ... And it is important that both the baptized and the ecclesial communities are not interested in the mission sporadically, but constantly, as a form of Christian life. Mission Day is not an isolated moment in the year, but it is a valuable opportunity to pause and consider if and how we respond to the missionary vocation, a response essential for the life of the Church".
On World Mission Day, October 23, the Pope will preside the canonization of the Blessed Bishops Guido Maria Conforti, founder of the Xaverian Missionaries; Don Luigi Guanella, founder of the Servants of Charity and the Daughters of Our Lady of Divine Providence; Sister Bonifacia Rodriguez de Castro, founder of the Servants of St. Joseph and of the workers of Nazareth. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 01/10/2011)
