This year marks the 100th celebration of World Mission Sunday, a day set apart for prayer, reflection and contributing to the Church’s mission of evangelization. This year’s theme - one in Christ, united in mission - was chosen by Pope Leo XIV and it invites us to rediscover the profound unity we share in Christ through baptism. Pope Leo explains, “The more united we are in Christ, the better able we will be to carry out together the mission that he entrusted to us.”

We also recognize that the Archdiocese of Chicago, through The Society for the Propagation of the Faith, has been organizing global mission support for 100 years. We are proud to say that, over the past century, our communities have engaged in forming missionary awareness and promoting a network of prayer and charity that connects our local church with communities in need throughout the world. 

On World Mission Sunday, we stand in solidarity with ad gentes missionaries serving in 1,130 mission dioceses in areas that are often challenging, poor, conflict-ridden or remote. These missionaries depend on our prayers and financial support to continue proclaiming Christ and building His Church. Our donations generously given through this pontifical collection help missionaries share the greatest treasure we can offer: Christ himself and his Gospel.

Let us pray for the gift of young people and adults who will follow the example of our own Pope Leo XIV and leave everything behind to follow Christ, even to the ends of the earth. May we always place Christ at the center of our lives and our communities so that the whole world may believe. Wishing you every blessing, with kind regards, I remain,