Catholics across Scotland will join millions of fellow believers around the world in celebrating World Mission Sunday, renewing their commitment to prayer, solidarity and support for the Church’s missionary work.
This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Leo XIV, “One in Christ, United in Mission,” highlights the bonds of faith that unite Catholics across nations, cultures and generations.
Fr Vincent Lockhart, National Director of Missio Scotland, has encouraged parish communities to recognise that their shared mission extends beyond geographical boundaries and connects generations of Catholics who have supported the growth of the Church throughout the world.
In his message for World Mission Sunday, Pope Leo XIV emphasises the importance of unity, reconciliation and generosity, calling for “hearts united in Christ, reconciled communities and, in everyone, a willingness to cooperate with generosity and trust.”
Following the Jubilee Year, the Holy Father also encourages Catholics everywhere to continue their missionary journey with renewed joy and enthusiasm, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Reflecting on the Scriptures, Fr Lockhart draws attention to the universal nature of God’s mission. The prophet Isaiah’s account of God’s calling of Cyrus, a foreign ruler, illustrates how divine purposes can be fulfilled through people of every nation and background.
Similarly, Christ’s instruction in St Matthew’s Gospel to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God reminds Christians that their first responsibility is to God, expressed through prayer, generosity and service to others.
As part of the annual observance, Catholic parishes throughout Scotland will take up a special collection to support communities overseas that lack the financial resources needed to sustain their pastoral, educational and charitable activities.
However, Fr Lockhart stresses that financial contributions represent only one aspect of the Church’s missionary responsibility.
“Prayer is the first act of mission. Our financial gifts support the Church’s work; our prayers sustain its heart.”
He asks Catholics to remember missionaries, priests, religious, catechists, lay readers and families experiencing poverty, persecution or conflict.
World Mission Sunday provides an opportunity for every parish, regardless of its size or resources, to participate in the Church’s worldwide mission through acts of faith, prayer and practical generosity.
Fr Lockhart concludes by offering his thanks to parish communities and praying for God’s blessing upon families, parishes and the universal Church.
World Mission Sunday is supported in Scotland by Missio Scotland, the Scottish branch of the Pontifical Mission Societies, which coordinates prayer, awareness and fundraising for the Church’s missionary work worldwide.