Update from the Vatican Gathering of Pontifical Mission Societies National Directors

Dear friends and benefactors:

Each year, the National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) from around the world gather in Rome for a week of meetings. As we are Pontifical, the Holy Father meets with us during this time. Please be assured that during the recent gathering of 120 National Directors of PMS from across the globe, you were in my prayers throughout our meetings and Jubilee pilgrimage.

On May 22nd, the National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) had a private audience with Pope Leo XIV, who encouraged us to “see the importance of fostering a spirit of missionary discipleship in all the baptized, and a sense of the urgency of bringing Christ to all people”. It was a blessing to be among the first—and most intentionally international—Catholic groups to meet with His Holiness.

Bishop John A. Boissonneau, National Director – English Canada with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV

It is not too soon to turn our attention to the arrangements in each diocese for World Mission Sunday, which falls on October 19th. Once again, I would like to share the message of Pope Leo XIV:

“… I would like to thank you and your associates for your efforts each year in promoting World Mission Sunday … which is an immense help to me in my solicitude for the Churches in areas under the care of the Dicastery for Evangelization.”

In these words, the Holy Father reminds us why our Societies are “Pontifical”: they serve him in his direction of the global mission of bringing the Good News to all.

Bp John A Boissonneau (National Director) with Pope Leo XIV
Cardinal Luis Tagle with Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV addresses PMS National Directors

The scope and activities of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in many countries are extensive and impressive. In particular, the Churches in Latin America and Africa have well-developed programs and engage large numbers of adults and children in mission awareness gatherings. The animation and formation of missionary discipleship help keep the evangelization of the nations at the forefront of the Church’s life.

As I heard one speaker say this week, “Christianity is not a Church with a mission, but a mission with a Church.”

Thank you for your interest and generosity as we in Canada contribute to Pope Leo’s mission for the universal Church.


Bp John A. Boissonneau 
National Director