Catholic Church celebrates centenary of World Mission Sunday

The Catholic Church is marking the centenary of World Mission Sunday, an observance instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1926. The milestone is being recognized globally, including in Malawi and Portugal, to reflect on a century of missionary efforts and the spread of the Gospel.

In Malawi, the Catholic Church gathered at Mzuzu Stadium to celebrate the occasion. Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa noted that the mission has facilitated significant growth, with the number of parishes increasing from 17 to 217. He emphasized that missionary renewal begins within local communities through prayer and devotion. Papal Envoy Monsignor Fih Anh Nhue Nguyen also commended the Malawian faithful for their support of missionary work.

In Portugal, the Portuguese Episcopal Conference highlighted that while supporting young churches in distant lands remains a responsibility, the geography of mission has evolved. The Church now focuses on evangelization within cities, schools, and workplaces, reaching out to those distanced from the faith and engaging with diverse cultures and traditions.