Pope Leo XIV Marks 100th World Mission Sunday

Pope Leo XIV issued a video message on Oct. 18 for the 100th World Mission Sunday, stating that all baptized Catholics share in the mission of evangelization. The pontiff said that through baptism, every person becomes a member of the body of Christ and holds a specific role in the saving work of Jesus.

In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, several parishes observed World Mission Month by focusing on local ministry. On Oct. 10, Santa Rosa de Lima Church in San Fernando hosted the first Family Mission Mass in collaboration with the Pontifical Mission Societies of Los Angeles. St. Didacus Church in Sylmar also participated in the event.

Deacon Douglas Zuniga, the regional coordinator for the San Fernando Pastoral Region, said mission work can begin within families, neighborhoods, and countries rather than only through travel to places like Africa or Asia. Zuniga serves at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Sun Valley.