In 2026, the Catholic Church celebrates the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, an occasion that highlights the Church’s universal mission to proclaim the Gospel and support local Churches throughout the world. The centenary celebration on 18 October 2026 marks a century of prayer, solidarity, and missionary commitment.
Established by Pope Pius XI – celebrated by the whole Church
World Mission Sunday was established by Pope Pius XI in 1926 at the suggestion of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith. The first observance took place in 1927. The purpose was to create an annual day when Catholics everywhere could deepen their awareness of the Church’s missionary vocation and support missionary work through prayer and financial assistance.
Worldwide collection for the Mission of the Whole Church
Since then, World Mission Sunday has been celebrated each year on the second to last Sunday of October. It is the only worldwide collection in which the entire Catholic Church participates to support mission territories, especially young, poor, and growing local Churches. The funds collected help provide pastoral care, catechetical formation, education, healthcare, and support for seminarians, catechists, and missionaries across the globe.
The 100th theme: One in Christ, United in Mission
For this historic centenary year, Pope Leo XIV has chosen the theme“One in Christ, United in Mission.” The theme emphasizes that the Church’s missionary activity flows from communion with Christ and from the unity of believers. Drawing inspiration from Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one” (Jn 17:21), the Holy Father invites Catholics to renew their missionary vocation and to witness to the Gospel through unity, reconciliation, and cooperation.
Continuing the Mission of Hope, Love and Salvation
At a time when the world is often marked by division and conflict, the centenary of World Mission Sunday is an opportunity to rediscover that mission is not the responsibility of a few, but the calling of all the baptized. United in faith and strengthened by prayer, Catholics are invited to continue the Church’s mission of bringing Christ’s hope, love, and salvation to every people and nation.