Mission Sunday

Our theme for World Mission Sunday in Ireland this year is Together in Faith. The focus of this togetherness is on the newly independent Republic of South Sudan and our poster shows, catechist Pio Lokuru Kodee from Kapoeta, Torit Diocese in South Sudan. Pio has been an inspiration to his people and has also been a teacher to our missionaries. He has survived imprisonment and torture - with his people telling the army they couldn't kill him because "he was a man of God". The good news has brought life and hope to Pio and his community even as they have had to suffer for their faith over the years due to the political situation in Sudan.

The poster shows Pio with Kiltegan Fr John Marren outside a ruined church in the Diocese of Torit. The church building may be destroyed but the Church is very much alive in people like Pio Lokuru. Irish missionaries are working in many of the dioceses in South Sudan.

In his message for Mission Sunday this year, Pope Benedict XVI, wrote:

"Missionary activity renews the Church, revitalizes faith and Christian identity, and offers fresh enthusiasm and new incentive. Faith is strengthened when it is given to others! It is in commitment to the Church's universal mission that the new evangelization of Christian peoples will find inspiration and support".

World Missions, Ireland - the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies brings the prayers, solidarity and financial help of the Church in Ireland to Christian communities in other parts of the world, especially those in greatest need.

Each Mission Sunday we are asked to put aside - for that day - our support for our favourite missionary group or project so as to show our solidarity with the younger Churches throughout the world, especially those with the least resources.

The Mission Sunday collection is made available, in its entirety, to be distributed to the 1,100 young Churches who are supported by the generosity of Churches that are better off. The Irish Office sent more than €2.2 million, collected in the thirty-two counties last year, to help build up the Church in countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, as well as helping in the training of novices and seminarians.