(March 25, 2010) The key mission of the Church is the construction of ecclesial
communion, Pope Benedict XVI says in his message for World Mission Day to be observed
on October 24. The Papal message released by the Vatican on Thursday says World
Mission Day offers to diocesan and parish communities, institutes of consecrated life
and to all people of God, the opportunity to renew their commitment to proclaim
the Gospel. Christians, says the message, must learn to offer signs of hope and
create universal brotherhood. In today’s multiethnic society, Christians must undertake
efforts to make the planet a home for all peoples. The Pope’s message urges the
faithful to make the face of Jesus shine in every corner of the world, before the
generations of the new millennium, but especially among young people. It calls for
missionary cooperation among all the churches to promote the Gospel in the heart
of every person, and people of every race, culture and nationality. It says we must
all feel protagonists of the Church to proclaim the Gospel and transform the world
in keeping with Jesus’ commandment of love. In conclusion, Pope Benedict’s message
for World Mission Day, calls on everyone, despite economic difficulties, to help
the Pontifical Mission Societies that work in remote corners of the world and support
the young churches, to enable them to train seminarians and catechists. The Pope
ends his message for World Mission Day, expressing his gratitude to all missionaries
testifying in distant lands amid difficulties, and often with their lives.