Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies: Archbishop Nwachukwu invites us to proclaim the Resurrection of Christ to the world, following the example of the martyrs

Rome (Fides News Agency) - The worldwide network of the Pontifical Mission Societies is today a vibrant reality, driven by “one simple goal: to bring the message of Jesus Christ to places and situations where ecclesial communities flourish. This mission can only bear fruit if we believe in the Resurrection.”

At the close of the 2026 General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, recalled the Mystery of redemption and salvation that Christ gave us as the foundation of all authentic and fruitful apostolic and missionary work. He did so in his homily during the Eucharist, which he presided over on Wednesday, June 3, in the church of the Collegio San Lorenzo da Brindisi, thus concluding an intensive working week in Rome attended by over 100 national directors from five continents.

“If we do not believe in the Resurrection,” the Nigerian Archbishop added, referring to the many concrete initiatives and projects that the Pontifical Mission Societies support in individual countries, “our attention will ultimately be focused on the material things of this world.”

The service of the Pontifical Mission Societies to the ecclesial communities, the Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization reminded those present, will continue “until the local churches are sufficiently strong and independent.” Pope Leo XIV, he added, “strongly insists: It is not a matter of simply helping these churches until they are self-sufficient and then abandoning them, but of helping them become self-sufficient so that we can all continue to support one another.”

An experience of communion that also includes those generations who, in earlier times, gave their bodies and souls for the proclamation of the Gospel. Like Charles Lwanga and his companions, martyrs in Uganda, whose feast day is celebrated in the Catholic Church on June 3.

“I personally remember in a special way,” the Nigerian Archbishop said in his homily, “all those martyrs and all the other martyrs who made it possible for the Gospel to reach other countries, thanks to the young missionaries who left behind a comfortable life and set out, often at great sacrifice, and gave their lives.”

In earlier times, the means of transportation and communication were not comparable to those of today. And when the missionaries set out back then, “many of them never returned.” “You can imagine,” the Archbishop emphasized, “how many tears were shed. That is why I refer to Psalm 126, verse 6: ‘Those who go forth weeping, carrying sacks of seed, Will return with cries of joy, carrying their bundled sheaves.’ They set out in tears, carrying the seed; they sowed the seed, the seed bore fruit, and now it is time for the second part: They return with joy, carrying their sheaves.” (GV) (Fides News Agency, 4/6/2026)

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