Mission Sunday 2026
Established in 1926 by Pope Pius XI, World Mission Sunday is a global day of prayer and solidarity for the Church’s missionary work. It supports over 1,124 mission territories where the Church is young, growing and often facing challenges. World Mission Sunday was celebrated on Sunday, 18 October 2026, it was a special opportunity to unite in prayer and generosity for the global mission of the Church.
“One in Christ – Missionary disciples united in him and with our brothers and sisters
The mystery of union with Christ lies at the heart of mission. Before his Passion, Jesus prayed to the Father, “that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us” (Jn 17:21). These words reveal Jesus’ deepest desire, as well as the identity of the Church as a community of his disciples. That is, a communion that flows from the Trinity, and continues to be sustained by the Trinity. A communion at the service of fraternity among all human beings and harmony with all creation.”
POPE LEO XIV
On World Mission Sunday, your prayers and donations help support mission territories. Missio (traditionally called the Pontifical Mission Societies) is the Pope’s international Mission Agency in New Zealand. Missio is directly under the patronage of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. It also represents and supports the four Pontifical Mission Societies: Propagation of the Faith, St Peter the Apostle, Holy Childhood Society, and Missionary Union.
You can learn more about Missio and support their mission on their website https://missio.nz/
