A legacy of mission, a future of hope
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The most recent issue of Catholic Life magazine marked well the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi. We were able to celebrate the Franciscans among us and their influence through various institutions in our diocese. A second centenary illumines another strength of our local Church.
Pope Leo XIV reminds us that Oct. 18, 2026, marks the centenary for World Mission Sunday, an essential work of the missionary activity of the Church in the world. In 1926, Pope Pius XI announced that the universal prayer and collection organized by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith should take place in every Catholic parish around the world. One hundred years later, from his own experience as an Augustinian missionary in Peru, our Holy Father calls World Mission Sunday a day “that is very dear to the Church.” He gives us this year’s theme, “One in Christ, united in mission.”
He writes, “Being a Christian…means abiding in Christ, like branches on the vine (cf. Jn 15:4), immersed in the life of the Trinity. This union gives rise to mutual communion among believers and is the source of all missionary fruitfulness.” The faithful of the Diocese of La Crosse have long lived out this missionary calling, especially through our continued mission in Lurín, Peru. When Father Joe Walijewski began to work with children on the streets and established the orphanage, Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II, he did so with the support of many in our midst. That support continues through efforts like Project Milk, connections through Viterbo University and multiple groups traveling on mission each year.
World Mission Sunday, by its prayer and collection, furthers our missionary zeal. Motivated by our common bond in the person of Jesus Christ, Pope Leo calls our attention to a yet more ancient effort of the Church to bring salvation to all peoples. He encourages us to intensify our efforts “building upon the opportunities arising from the joint celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.” Through the centuries, missionaries, with the help of friends at home, have carried the same Gospel to distant lands and given hope to the poor into our own age.
Therefore, I ask you to pray and give as generously as you are able on World Mission Sunday. May God’s blessings serve those most in need and bring joy to your hearts as a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
I remain yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Gerard W. Battersby
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of La Crosse