Sunday of Missions marks its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of global Catholic solidarity and support for vulnerable churches.
Centenary celebration of Sunday of Missions
Sunday of Missions, established in 1926 by Pope Pius XI, is being celebrated this Sunday, October 18, marking 100 years of promoting Catholic solidarity and prayer for vulnerable churches worldwide.Purpose and history of the event
The day, promoted by the Pontifical Missionary Works (OPM), aims to make mission a shared responsibility for all Catholics, regardless of geography. It concludes the World Missionary Week, held from October 11 to 18, with the theme "One in Christ, united in mission."The required collection
A central element of the celebration is the "required collection," a targeted fundraising effort initiated by Pius XI. Funds collected are sent to Rome and distributed by the OPM to support local churches, especially those lacking resources for training priests, pastoral care, and social development.Role of the OPM
The OPM, present in over 140 countries, connects Christian communities and facilitates resource sharing between churches. Their work traces back to 1822 when blessed Pauline Jaricot founded the Work of the Propagation of the Faith in Lyon, emphasizing prayer and financial support for the Church’s mission.Four complementary works
The OPM comprises four complementary organizations. These include the Work of the Propagation of the Faith, which supports Gospel proclamation and pastoral needs, and the Work of Saint Peter the Apostle, which trains seminarians. Other works include the Missionary Childhood, which engages youth, and the Pontifical Missionary Union, which focuses on missionary training.Global impact and projects
The OPM's efforts benefit over 1,100 dioceses globally, particularly in regions with significant needs, such as Africa. In 2025, the OPM in France collected around 1.2 million euros, supporting thousands of projects, from rebuilding chapels to educational programs for girls.Celebrating two anniversaries
In Seine-Saint-Denis, the diocese celebrates both the centenary of Sunday of Missions and its 60th anniversary. The event highlights the connection between local church history and the universal mission, with activities including a round table discussion and testimonies from missionaries and committed lay people.Exhibition of historical posters
To commemorate the centenary, the OPM has organized an exhibition of historical posters from the Sunday of Missions since the 1920s. The exhibition, held at the Maison de Lorette in Lyon, features original posters and offers a virtual experience with digitized content and audio elements.
