Vatican City, Jan 25, 2011 / 12:11 pm
Pope Benedict said in a message on missionary efforts that the Gospel is not an “exclusive” message to an elite few but rather a gift to be shared and “a piece of good news to be passed on.”
On Jan. 25, the Vatican released the Pope's official statement for the 85th annual World Mission Sunday which will be held on Oct. 23. The event is organized by the Propagation of the Faith and is set aside for Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to the Church's missionary activity through prayer.
The theme of this year's celebration is, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
Pope Benedict opened his remarks by emphasizing that the “announcement of the Gospel is destined for everyone.”