"Hearts on fire, feet on the move" (Lk 24:14-35)

World Mission Sunday, which will be celebrated on October 22, 2023, is a day dedicated to the support of the missionary work of the Church. Established by Pope Pius XI in 1926, it is an opportunity for every Catholic church community around the world to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters living in mission territories. Through prayer and sacrificial giving, the day offers each of us an opportunity to support the life-giving presence of the Chruch among the poor and marginalized in more than 1,100 mission dioceses.

The theme of World Mission Sunday for 2023 is "Hearts on fire, feet on the move," based on the story of the disciples who encounter Jesus on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). In reflecting on the theme, Pope Francis said, "Let us set out again with burning hearts, with our eyes open and our feet in motion. Let us set out to make other hearts burn with the word of God, to open the eyes of others to Jesus in the Eucharist and to invite everyone to walk together on the path of peace and salvation that God, in Christ, has bestowed upon all humanity."

​​​​​​​World Mission Sunday Collection

On world Missions Sunday, a collection is held in churches in support of mission work. The collection helps to build up local churches in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands.

Every year, the needs of the Catholic Church in the missions grow, as new dioceses are formed, new seminaries are opened, and as war, natural disasters, or illnesses ravage communities. For new, young or poor dioceses, the collection from World Mission Sunday is essential on their journey to becoming self-sefficient.

In addition to the collection that will be held in Masses, donations can be made online on the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States website. The Pontifical Missions Societies in the United States work through local bishops, churches, and missionary congregations to ensure that resources are distributed equitably and justly.