"Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet": Mission Sunday at Derebail, 2024

World Mission Sunday, that is often observed on the second to last Sunday of October, will be celebrated on 20th October this year. On this day, Catholics worldwide come together in prayer and engage in special initiatives to support and contribute to the Church's mission work.

Instituted in 1926 by Pope Pius XI, World Mission Sunday is mandatorily observed by Catholics all around the globe. The collected contributions aid regions where the Gospel has yet to reach, has been recently embraced, or is bravely sustained in the face of persecution.

The theme for 2024, chosen by Pope Francis, is drawn from the Gospel of Matthew: " Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet" (Mt 22: 9). This theme mirrors the Church's inclusivity and its mission to share God's love with all. In his message, Pope Francis highlights the importance of this theme in today's context. He reaffirms, as Christ's missionary disciples, during this final phase of the Synodal journey- guided by the motto "Communion, Participation, Mission"- the Church seeks to refocus on her core mission i.e., preaching the Gospel in the modern world.

Likewise, the parishioners of Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail, are putting in great efforts for the success of Mission Sunday this year. Members of various wards and associations are collaborating to prepare an assortment of delicacies for sale on Mission Sunday. The preparations for the same commenced on Friday, 18th October 2024. While some are engaged in cooking, there are others who are setting up stalls and cleaning the church premises for the event. Parishioners of all age groups are working together to ensure the success of Mission Sunday, which will held on the 19th and 20th of October, 2024.

The following pictures offer a glimpse of behind-the-scenes work being carried out for Mission Sunday.