Be a Missionary
Jesus’ final command before ascending into heaven was clear: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). This is the heart of the mission ad gentes—a call to go beyond the familiar, to bring the light of Christ to those who do not yet know Him.
For thousands of men and women—priests, religious, and lay missionaries—this means leaving behind their homes, families, and cultures to serve in far-off lands where the Gospel is unknown or has only recently been received. These missionaries respond to the most urgent needs of the Church, sowing the first seeds of faith where Christ has not yet been proclaimed or where the Church is still young.
Since the time of the Apostles, the Church has always been missionary by nature (Ad Gentes, 2). Missionaries do not go on their own initiative, but are sent—by Christ, through the Church—to bring the Good News to those still waiting for the Gospel’s transforming power. Many of them go to places of “first evangelization,” meaning territories where Christ is still unknown for most, and where the Church has no local (native) vocations for the priesthood or religious life.
How can I be a Missionary?
Pray
Prayer sustains missionaries in the field and opens hearts to receive the Gospel.
Give
Through the Pontifical Mission Societies, you can directly support the Church in mission territories.
Go
Some are called to serve as missionaries abroad. Others are called to evangelize at home through everyday encounters, sharing the love and truth of Christ.
Support Vocations
The Church depends on missionary priests, sisters, and lay catechists to continue Christ’s work. Your support makes their mission possible.
“Together, we must look for ways to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges and encourages dialogue, a Church ever open to welcoming, like this Square with its open arms, all those who are in need of our charity, our presence, our readiness to dialogue and our love.”
Pope Leo XIV