World Mission Sunday is a special day that unites Catholics worldwide in prayer, solidarity and support for the Church’s mission efforts. The Pontifical Mission Societies champion World Mission Sunday to support the work of missionaries who bring the compassion of Christ to 1,150 territories where the Gospel has not yet been received, has been only recently embraced, or is courageously upheld in the face of persecution. World Mission Sunday is an opportunity to gather in solidarity and respond to our vocation to share the joy of the Gospel through prayer, charity and celebration.
For the celebration on October 20, 2024, Pope Francis has chosen the theme “Go and invite everyone to the banquet,” inspired by the parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:9. This theme emphasizes two core aspects of evangelization, going out and inviting everyone. Mission work involves going out into the world, reaching out to those who have not heard the Gospel and inviting them to experience God’s love. It’s a call to be active and engaged in spreading the faith. We who are unable to go do this by supporting those who can, through prayer and alms giving. The invitation is truly universal, reflecting God’s love for all. It calls on us to welcome everyone to the feast of the Eucharist and the ultimate banquet in the Kingdom of God.
