World Mission Sunday 2023: “Hearts on fire, feet on the move”

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The theme for World Mission Sunday 2023, “Hearts on fire, feet on the move,” given to us by Pope Francis, is inspired by the story of the disciples on the Road to Emmaus in St. Luke’s Gospel (24:13-35). Although they are initially confused and discouraged, their encounter with the Risen Christ makes their “hearts burn within them” as they listen to Jesus explain all the Sacred Scriptures and reveal Himself to them “in the breaking of the bread.” Suddenly, “their eyes were opened” and, their hearts were consumed with a holy enthusiasm to proclaim that the Lord Jesus had risen from the dead — as they made their way to Jerusalem.

Bishop Checchio reminds us that, as missionaries in our own right, young and old, we need to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and place ourselves in the proper missionary spirit to go outward. Share your resources, and the multitude of blessings that have come your way, with others, especially the most vulnerable at home and in missionary lands!

People worldwide need the compassion, healing and mercy of our Risen Lord, especially in places where children go to bed with hunger pains and adults do all in their power to console and provide spiritual nourishment to them. Even when parents surrender their ration of food and drink to their children, too often the children still remain undernourished.

Through your prayers, and your missionary zeal, our brothers and sisters in foreign lands can receive support. This is especially the case through our “children helping children” program that is sponsored by our Propagation of the Faith “Missionary Childhood Association” as well as other programs we sponsor throughout the year.

With the help of three powerful women interceding for us from Heaven: Our Blessed Mother Mary, Blessed Pauline Jaricot (foundress of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith) and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (patroness of missionaries), we can do wonders. By following this year’s World Mission Sunday’s theme: “Hearts on fire, feet on the move,” our determination as messengers of the Gospel to do God’s work can be fulfilled.

To donate NOW please make check payable to:  Propagation of the Faith and send to my attention at Propagation of the Faith, Diocese of Metuchen, P.O. Box 191, Metuchen, NJ 08840.
 

In Christ,

Reverend John G. Hillier
Director, Pontifical Mission Societies