The World Mission Day, which we celebrate every year on the penultimate Sunday in October, is an opportunity to remember once again that as Christians we are all called to be missionaries, called to be witnesses of God's saving love for every human being.
While our missionaries go on missions ad gentes, among peoples who have not yet heard the word of God, we who remain in our communities follow them with our prayers and concrete help, and in this way we witness our mutual love and the universality of the Church to those around us. This is how we set an example, we bear witness, because in addition to preaching, people also need examples, namely those who support what we preach and who encourage them to act themselves.
The World Mission Day, which we celebrate every year on the penultimate Sunday in October, is an opportunity to remember again and again that as Christians we are all called to be missionaries, called to be witnesses of God's saving love for every human being. It is in this spirit that Pope Francis writes his message for this year's World Mission Day, under the motto: "You will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8). The Pope emphasizes: "Just as Christ was the first to be sent, that is, the Father's missionary (cf. Jn 20, 21) and his 'faithful witness' (cf. Rev 1:5), so every Christian is called to be Christ's missionary and witness." And the Church, as a community of Christ's disciples, has no other mission than to evangelize the world, giving testimony for Christ."
Throughout history, and even today, many individuals, in communion with the Church, have gone and are going "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8) proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, doing acts of mercy, which enable everyone to live a dignified life. In such action, the unity and strength of the Church can be seen. While our missionaries go on missions ad gentes, among peoples who have not yet heard the word of God, we who remain in our communities follow them with our prayers and concrete help, and in this way we witness our mutual love and the universality of the Church to those around us. This is how we set an example, we bear witness, because in addition to preaching, people also need examples, namely those who support what we preach and who encourage them to act themselves. The brightest example of active action within one's own environment is offered by the figure of blessed Pauline Jaricot, the founder of the Pontifical Societies for the Propagation of the Faith, who was beatified by Pope Francis in May of this year.
In order to permanently encourage reflection on our Christian call to witness, this year we offer you materials prepared by the National Office of Pontifical Mission Societies in the Republic of Croatia and the National Office of Pontifical Mission Societies in Bosnia and Herzegovina…
We also use this opportunity to thank you for all the love you show our missionaries with your sacrifices, prayers and gifts. May the Lord reward you abundantly!
Msgr. Luka Tunjić, national director of Pontifical Mission Societies in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sr. Ivana Margarin, FDC, national director of Pontifical Mission Societies in the Republic of Croatia