Archbishop George Antonysamy of Madras, India, shares his perspective on the impact of support for missionaries around the world during the World Mission Sunday Mass on Oct. 19. He was the principal celebrant for the late afternoon Mass. Photo courtesy Sarah Lightle.
Archbishop George Antonysamy of Madras, India, served as the principal celebrant for the World Mission Sunday Mass on Oct. 19 at Columbus St. Joseph Cathedral and offered a blueprint for how Catholics should act as missionaries of Christ on earth to help others in need.
Catholics and Christians, the archbishop said, are commanded to provide aid for their fellow men – not only materially but spiritually.
“We are gathered here, coming from different nations, speaking different languages, and shaped by diverse cultures and mentalities, yet we are united as members of the Catholic Church, having received the loving command of Jesus Christ: ‘Go and make disciples of all nations,’” the archbishop, whose native language is Tamil but is fluent in multiple languages, shared in his homily.
Archbishop Antonysamy concelebrated with Mass with approximately 20 other priests, many of whom hail from countries outside the United States and serve in the diocese.
More than 200 of the faithful, which included natives of African nations, Korea, India, Philippines, Mexico and other Latin American and South American countries, attended the Mass and remained afterward for fellowship at a dinner with ethnic cuisine in the cathedral undercroft. Also present were Sister Zephrina Mary, FIH, director of the diocese’s Missions Office, and religious sisters from six communities.
All were united in faith on the 98th celebration of World Mission Sunday, which was instituted in 1926 by Pope Pius XI to emphasize the importance of mission in the life of every Catholic wherever they live. Of the 2.2 billion Christians in the world, 1.3 billion are Catholic.
The archbishop, who had visited the diocese in early October for a mission appeal at Columbus St. Agatha Church, pointed out that each year the Holy Father offers a missionary message to inspire Christ’s followers to recommit themselves to spread the Gospel to all nations.
“Pope Leo XIV, in his message, reminded us that we are all called to be bearers of hope,” the archbishop said. “In today’s world, hope is urgently needed — hope that fosters harmony, peace and fraternity. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to evangelize and become symbols of hope to all people.”
He went on to explain that Pope Benedict XVI described Mission Sunday as “charity in action.
“We have been chosen by God through baptism to bring goodness and love to others,” he said. “We are called to live out our faith through acts of charity and witness.”
With that command in mind, the archbishop asked for everyone to remember to pray for missionaries and those in need.
He said Catholics can live out our missionary calling in three essential ways:
The first is through prayer, which the missionaries of the world need every day to sustain their work. The second comes through living an exemplary life as witnesses of Christ.
“Consider St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower,” he said. “Though she lived only 24 years and never left her convent, she was declared the patroness of missions. Her life radiated love and sacrifice.
“We too must live boldly as Christians, proclaiming our faith not only in church or family but wherever we are — even in places where Christianity is persecuted.”
The archbishop understands what it means to be persecuted, describing how he has been asked to remove his cross at airports but saying he has never heard of a person harming others because they wore a cross.
“The hatred toward Christianity persists,” he said, “but our response must be love and witness through our lives.”
The third way to support missionary work is through financial support.
“The Church grows through the generosity of its members,” he said. “All who belong to the mystical body of Christ are called to contribute to its mission. Supporting the Church financially is a vital part of our missionary calling.
“Even those who feel limited — like the elderly woman in India who said, ‘I want to be a missionary, but I cannot walk’ — can still be missionaries. I told her, ‘Don’t worry. Your heart can burn with missionary zeal through small sacrifices.’ Every act of love, every offering, even the smallest, makes you a true missionary.”
As a true missionary, the bishop suggested, “we do not look at color, language or nationality — we look at the faith we share. This unity in faith can transform the world.
“Pope Benedict XVI, in his 2006 message, urged us to be missionaries like the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph — faithful, humble, and devoted.
“Let us pray for all missionaries who suffer for the Gospel, who face hatred and exclusion, especially those serving in foreign lands. May the Lord protect them, strengthen them, and fill them with wisdom to be true disciples, bringing the Good News to all.”
