The first day of October begins a special month within the Church, Extraordinary Missionary Month.
The Vatican explained it is in honor of the 100th anniversary of Pope Benedict XV's Apostolic Letter, Maximum Illud, which is considered the charter for activity of modern missionaries.
Pope Francis also heeded this missionary call, making it a pillar of his pontificate and the theme of this extraordinary month.
CARD. FERNANDO FILONI
Prefect, Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples
“It's 'extraordinary' because in respect to the ordinary, it can re-propose themes and reflections, all in line with Pope Francis thinking.”
FR. FABRIZIO MERONI
Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions
“We are happy because the intuition to provoke and begin reflection, discernment, and even an examination of conscience of the local churches can bear fruit.”
The fruits of missionary work have been seen throughout these 100 years especially by those who are evangelizing all over the world. Sr. Simona is one of them.
She was a missionary in Mozambique in the early 2000s and since then has had the opportunity to travel to each of the 17 countries where her fellow sisters work.
SR. SIMONA BRAMBILLA
Missionary Sister
“The ad gentes missionary vocation is a beautiful gift. Why is it beautiful and important? We ad gentes missionaries are directed and sent to those who do not know Christ. Those who haven't heard of Him.
We missionaries begin and start a dialogue. It's a dialogue through which Christ can enter the hearts of people.”
Yet, during this month, the missionary call extends to everyone within the Church to freely live out the faith and be testimonies to the truth.
CARD. FERNANDO FILONI
Prefect, Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples
“We too – even if we do not have a vocation of missionary – can and must, by loving our faith, bring the faith to the world.”
There will be various events and prayers led throughout October both at the Vatican and around the world. The goal by the end of the month is for all Christians to be responsible for their faith and live it to the fullest around the globe today.
Melissa Butz
