Pope Leo XIV sets out five points as World Mission Sunday turns 100

World Mission Sunday, known in Spanish-speaking countries as the Domund, marks its centenary in October 2026 under the theme "One in Christ, united in mission." The Tríptico de Enfermos (Triptych for the Sick), a bimonthly publication sent to people who want to join the missionaries' work through prayer and offering, has joined in marking the centenary. The first World Mission Sunday was held in 1926 to support mission territories as the first Christians did, holding everything in common.

Pope Leo XIV has set out five points for the centenary. The first is to live in union with Christ, because "being Christians is not first of all a set of practices or ideas; it is a life in union with Christ." The second is to make Christ the center of life: "Being 'one in Christ' calls us to keep our gaze always fixed on the Lord, so that he may truly be the center of our personal and community life, of every word, action and interpersonal relationship."

The third is to work with the Pontifical Mission Societies. "I thank the Pontifical Mission Societies for their service to missionary cooperation, which I experienced with gratitude during my ministry in Peru," Leo said. "They continue to nourish and form the missionary awareness of the faithful, from the youngest to the oldest, and to promote a network of prayer and charity that connects communities throughout the world."

The fourth is to thank God for today's missionaries. The pope said they are "people who, like St. Francis Xavier, have left their land, their family and all security to proclaim the Gospel, bringing Christ and his love to places that are often difficult, poor, marked by conflict or culturally distant. They continue to give themselves with joy despite adversity."

The fifth is to join the missionaries: "Let us all join them in the work of evangelization through the witness of life in Christ, prayer and our contribution to the missions. Let us be infected by their desire to live in the love of the Lord and to pass it on to those near and far."

The prayer for Domund 2026, presented by Leo, reads: "Holy Father, grant that we may be one in Christ, rooted in his love which unites and renews. Grant that all the members of the Church may be united in mission, docile to the Holy Spirit, courageous in bearing witness to the Gospel, proclaiming and embodying each day your faithful love for every creature. Bless the missionaries, men and women, sustain them in their efforts, preserve them in hope. Mary, Queen of the missions, accompany our work of evangelization in every corner of the earth; make us instruments of peace and grant that the whole world may recognize in Christ the light that saves. Amen."

The pope has also set the monthly prayer intentions. For September: "Let us pray for the just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that all may have fair access to it." For October, which coincides with the Domund: "Let us pray that mental health ministry may be integrated throughout the Church, helping to overcome stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness."

Over the past 100 years, the number of mission dioceses has risen from 296 to 1,131. Catholics in those territories have grown from 9.5 million to 350 million. Priests, most of them missionaries, have increased from 9,928 to 100,987. The day is observed in the whole Church and for the whole Church, with everyone helping everyone.

Catholics in the Dominican Republic gave $451,146 to the missions last year, and India contributed $3,738,536.