Vatican City (Fides Service) - On Sunday 24 October, World Mission Day, Pope John Paul II prayed the Angelus with the crowds in St Peter’s Square and recalled the work of missionaries with deep gratitude. Here is our English translation of what the Pope said in Italian:
“Today we celebrate World Mission Sunday a day of prayer and concrete support for the missions. This day serves also to help Christians be more deeply aware of their responsibility to announce the Gospel to all peoples. I thank the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and the Pontifical Mission Societies which on my behalf promote this Day and encourage diocesan and parish initiatives for this purpose.
I offer warm greetings and express profound gratitude to missionaries working on the frontiers of evangelisation. I remember especially those who crowned their witness to Christ and service of others with the sacrifice of their lives.
. May Mary Most Holy, Queen of the Missions interceded to obtain numerous vocations to the missionary life.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 25/10/2004 - Righe 16; Parole 183)