An international rosary in Rome brought clergy, religious and lay faithful together on October 17, on the eve of the Catholic Church’s 100th World Mission Sunday, celebrated on October 18 under the theme “One in Christ, united in mission.”
Led by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle at the Pontifical Urban University, the prayer was recited in 13 languages. Its five mysteries represented Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Oceania, offering a powerful expression of the Church’s universal mission.
BLESSED FULTON SHEEN’S MISSIONARY LEGACY LIVES ON
The gathering also marked 75 years since Blessed Fulton J. Sheen established the World Mission Rosary, encouraging Catholics to pray for the Church’s missionary work across the globe.
Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu of the Dicastery for Evangelization reminded the faithful that mission begins with proclaiming the Word of God. While financial generosity helps missionaries bring the Gospel to communities worldwide, he emphasized that the heart of mission is sharing God’s Word and love.
Monsignor Thomas George Schluep also highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s message that unity in Christ comes first, reminding Catholics that their baptism calls them to share Christ’s love with family, friends and coworkers. The Pope’s own years as a missionary in Peru gave him firsthand experience of the faith, struggles and hopes of local communities, reflecting the personal heart of the Church’s missionary calling.
As World Mission Sunday enters its second century, this international rosary renews a timeless call: to pray for missionaries, support their work and live the Gospel through everyday acts of faith and love.
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