The Greatest of Days

Tuesday, November 10, 2009. Proudly and joyfully, we will remember that day here at the national office of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States as a momentous date in our history. On that day, Archbishop Timothy Dolan visited us, as the shepherd of New York, to bless our new "home" at 70 West 36th Street.

The first impression was the lasting one: he exited the elevator on our eighth floor to the welcome cheers and applause of more than 85 employees and guests. And what he offered us was memorable and etched into our personal and collective memories: a warm loving embrace extended to each and every one of us. What a way to begin this celebration in our new home!

And he led us in a service of blessing, which included readings from Scriptures, and his wonderful and thoughtful message to us about how blessed we are in doing this special work of the Lord. Next he blessed us and our new office with holy water, calling to mind our own Baptism and our call to be missionary.

After some "formal" photos with staff, our national board/council, the architects, contractors and other special collaborators, Archbishop Dolan greeted many of the guests individually. As he exited the building, his greetings continued, as he met and posed for photos with the superintendent and maintenance workers of our national office home.

But the glorious day did not end with his departure. There were wonderful tours given by our joy-filled staff, who made everyone feel a special part of our mission family. And then we - staff, collaborators and guests - departed for a wonderful lunch together. We were joined by Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United Nations, and Bishop Daniel Walsh of Santa Rosa, California, who represents the U.S. Bishops in matters related to mission ad gentes. These prelates both shared some wonderful sentiments and congratulations with us. During the meal, we had the opportunity as well to acknowledge some truly special friends who played such an important role in designing, constructing and furnishing our new home.

It was a day long to be remembered, certainly the greatest of days in my time as national director. As Archbishop Dolan described it: "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad."

That was part of the message he offered in the midst of his whirlwind visit with us, as he "christened" our new Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Media Room, recording a message that we have proudly uploaded to our website. His uplifting and encouraging message affirmed above all the good that the great generosity of Catholics to the Pontifical Mission Societies accomplishes.

As you listen, remember another reason to "rejoice and be glad" - we are all connected as "one family in mission"!

Happy World Mission Sunday!

Most of us have an event that is remembered each year with special meaning.

Perhaps it's our birthday, or an anniversary, the return home from a war, the birth of a child, or another such personal history moment.

In the Catholic Church, we celebrate on the next-to-last Sunday of each year World Mission Sunday. This is a very special celebration for the whole Catholic world. We could say that this is our annual flesh-and-blood way of continuing Pentecost. Just what is World Mission Sunday all about?

It is a universal celebration, one that takes place at the altar of churches and chapels worldwide. The Church draws us on that day to the Eucharistic table to renew the missionary vocation given to us at Baptism. It also invites us to pray for the missionary needs of the Church, to respond to these needs with material support, and even to consider service ad gentes as a missionary.

The solidarity with people all over the world - many already committed to Christ and drawing sustenance from His Body and Blood, and many more still waiting to know Him and to be one with Him - is made real through your participation in World Mission Sunday. Especially in your role as celebrant at the Liturgy, the Lord provides the opportunity to renew your faithful in their missionary commitment, and to invite them to be part of the continuing Pentecost as, through prayer and sacrifice, they help to share Christ with the world.

My prayer for you and all in your parish is that you be instruments of evangelization on World Mission Sunday, accepting more fully your role as missionaries in this "one family in mission."

As always, I am most grateful for your missionary zeal and generosity.