Mission Sunday reminds all Catholics worldwide that faith is meant to be shared. It is a special time to renew our commitment to bringing God’s love, hope, and compassion to others through prayer, action, and generosity. Through Mission Sunday, we learn that every believer is called to be a missionary disciple. BETTY AMUKPO tasked some Catholic teenagers to itemise the importance of Mission Sunday. Excerpts:
‘It’s not just for priests or missionaries, but for every Christian who believes in Jesus’
Mission Sunday is important because it reminds us that we are all called to share God’s love with the world. It’s not just for priests or missionaries, but for every Christian who believes in Jesus. On this day, we pray for those spreading the Gospel and reflect on how we can be part of that mission — through our words, actions, and prayers. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). Mission Sunday renews our hope, strengthens our faith, and inspires us to live as true witnesses of Christ’s love.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘Mission Sunday reminds Christians of their duty to spread the Gospel’
Mission Sunday is important because it reminds Christians of their duty to spread the Gospel and support missionary work worldwide. It strengthens faith, unity, and love through service and evangelisation. As Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15).
• Agbo Josephine
‘It reminds us to share God’s love with everyone’
Mission Sunday is important because it reminds us to share God’s love with everyone. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news” (Romans 10:15). “The harvest is plentiful” (Luke10:21). Mission Sunday is a day of faith and sharing. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21). “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘Mission Sunday inspires believers to fulfill their evangelical mandate’
Mission Sunday is crucial as it emphasises the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), inspiring believers to spread the Gospel, fulfill their evangelical mandate (Mark 16:15), and care for the marginalised (Acts 1:8). It revitalises faith, encourages discipleship, global evangelism, and service. Through Mission Sunday, the Church unites in prayer, reflection, and action, supporting missionaries and local communities worldwide.
• Asia Yoochi Laura
‘It promotes unity and solidarity among Christians worldwide’
Mission Sunday is important because it stresses the Church’s missionary dimension, reminding believers of their responsibility to spread the Gospel to all nations. As stated in Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands his disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This Great Commission is central to the Church’s mission. Mission Sunday highlights the need for global evangelisation, encouraging believers to share the Good News with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It promotes unity and solidarity among Christians worldwide, emphasising our shared mission to spread God’s love and mercy. The day raises awareness about the work of missionaries and the challenges they face, encouraging prayer, sacrifice, and financial support for their endeavours. Mission Sunday invites believers to reflect on their role in the Church’s mission, renewing their commitment to follow Jesus and serve others. The importance of sharing the Good News with others (Romans 10:14-15). By celebrating Mission Sunday, believers reaffirm their commitment to the Church’s mission and seek to live out their faith in service to others.
• Awaki Barnabas
‘Mission Sunday is a vital part of Christian discipleship’
Mission Sunday is an important date in the life of the Church, because it teaches how to give: as an offering made to God, in the Eucharistic celebration and for all the missions of the world.” (Redemptoris Missio, 81) — Pope St. John Paul II On Mission Sunday, the Church invites us to pray for missionaries who take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, and it reminds us that we are one with the Church and that we are all committed to carrying on the mission of Christ. The Church, according to Vatican II, is “missionary” in her very nature because her founder, Jesus Christ, was the first missionary (Matthew 28:19-20). Mission Sunday is the Holy Father’s annual appeal for spiritual and financial support so that the life-giving work of overseas mission and missionaries can continue. It always falls on the second to the last Sunday in October. We are all Missionaries, and thus should respond like prophet Isaiah: “Here am I, send me” (6:8). Mission Sunday is a vital part of Christian discipleship, reminding us of our responsibility to share the Gospel and serve others.
• MaryPeace Oche
‘It is a time annually when Catholics renew their missionary identity.’
Mission Sunday is significant because it is a time for Catholics to renew their missionary identity and support the global Church’s mission to spread God’s love. As Pilgrims of Hope, believers are called to embody and share hope through prayer, financial support, and by living out their faith in service to others. Isaiah 6:8 — “Here am I, send me.” This passage reminds us of God’s call and our willingness to be sent forth to alleviate suffering and spread the message of hope.
• Francis Chibunna Umennadi
