In the decades following the ravages of the Napoleonic Wars, the Catholic Church developed a tremendous missionary dynamic and engaged in one of the most successful mission initiatives in church history. Many of the major missionary orders were founded in the midth century. They sent thousands of missionaries, men and women, to Asia and Africa, proclaiming the message of Jesus often under the most difficult conditions and establishing new churches.

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The logo of the Extraordinary Missionary Month October is a missionary cross in which the primary colors refer to the five continents. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for the monthlong celebration is "Baptized and Sent. But in the lead up to the monthlong focus on missionary outreach, Francis spoke frequently and in detail about the Christian obligation to share the Gospel through personal witness and welcome. The pope is scheduled to launch the month with a prayer vigil in St. Although St. Therese had dreamed of being a missionary, she never left the convent. Small also noted that in a June meeting with the Pontifical Mission Societies, which raise awareness about the missions and raise funds to support them, Francis spoke of the ties between the Amazon synod and the Extraordinary Missionary Month.
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A hundred years ago next month Pope Benedict XV issued his apostolic letter, Maximum Illud , which began with the words:. Through our communion with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we, together with so many of our other brothers and sisters, are born to new life. This divine life is not a product for sale — we do not practise proselytism — but a treasure to be given, communicated and proclaimed: that is the meaning of mission. Outward focus and open outreach is are imperative for the Christian. The Pope maintains that our current world is in desperate need of such missionary activity:. And the soul of mission is prayer! Mission is part of our identity as Christians:. People in love never stand still: they are drawn out of themselves; they are attracted and attract others in turn; they give themselves to others and build relationships that are life-giving.
Drug abuse and mental health October 1, New president calls membership to Mission October 3, Categories Editorial. Tags baptised and sent. That there was a sag in missionary zeal after Vatican II is indisputable.