Pope Francis to inaugurate the Extraordinary Missionary Month

Source: Fides

On Tuesday 1 October, the Pope Francis will preside at the celebration of solemn Vespers for the opening of the Extraordinary Missionary Month in the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican. The celebration will be preceded by testimonies and prayers prepared by the Italian missionary institutes: Comboni Missionaries, Xaverians, Consolata Missionaries, PIME and Missionaries of the Immaculate. At the end, Pope Francis will deliver a crucifix to departing missionaries.

On Sunday 20 October, at 10.30 am, Pope Francis will preside at the Mass for World Mission Sunday in Saint Peter's Square, which will also be attended by participants in the special Synod for the Amazon, which takes place in October at the Vatican.

The intention of prayer for the month of October will also be dedicated to the Extraordinary Missionary Month: the video produced by the Pope's World Prayer Network will be available on the www.october2019.va website.

The Extraordinary Missionary Month involves and engages the universal Church in a renewed journey of prayer, witness and reflection on the centrality of the Missio ad Gentes in the life of every baptised person. Each local Church is therefore called to live in its own context and situation, moments of sharing, prayer and missionary commitment. We are not asked to "become pilgrims in Rome" but to become pilgrims from one's own home to every corner of the Earth to bring everyone "the joy of the Gospel".

The Extraordinary Missionary Month, October 2019, does not provide for a closing celebration, as it is expected that a renewed mission will permeate the future life of every baptised person and of each local Church.