Around 1,650 children gathered at Assumption Catholic Church in Twantay Parish, Yangon Archdiocese, on October 18, 2026, to celebrate the centenary of World Mission Sunday, organized by the Yangon Archdiocesan Pontifical Mission Society (PMS).

The celebration was organized under the leadership of Rev. Fr. James Kyaw Lin Htun, Director of the Archdiocesan Pontifical Mission Society.

The event began with a solemn procession into the church, accompanied by a dance performed by young girls, marking the beginning of the Eucharistic celebration at 9:00 a.m.

‘You Can Be a Missionary Today’

His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, presided over the Eucharistic celebration and delivered a homily encouraging children to become missionaries by sharing the love of Jesus in their daily lives.

Addressing the children, Cardinal Bo emphasized that missionary activity is not limited to priests, religious sisters, bishops, or adults. Children, too, can become missionaries wherever they live, study, and meet others.

“You do not have to wait until you become a priest, a sister, a bishop, or a grown-up to become a missionary. You can be a missionary today!” he told the children.

Reflecting on the biblical message, “Arise, shine, for your light has come,” the Cardinal encouraged the children to become lights of Christ through small acts of kindness, including welcoming lonely classmates, sharing food with those in need, helping others, and standing beside children who are bullied or excluded.

Small Acts of Love

Cardinal Bo also highlighted St. Paul’s teaching on the importance of proclaiming the Good News, reminding the children that people can encounter the love of Jesus through both words and actions.

He reflected on Jesus’ missionary command in the Gospel of Matthew: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations … and remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

He invited the children to begin their missionary journey in their own homes, schools, parishes, and communities by serving their families, welcoming others, sharing with the poor, praying for those who suffer, and promoting peace and friendship among people of different backgrounds and religions.

The Cardinal also encouraged them to remember children affected by conflict, hunger, displacement, illness, and other difficulties in Myanmar and throughout the world.

Concluding his homily, he urged the young participants to become missionaries of hope, joy, love, and peace through their everyday lives. He reminded them that they did not need to be famous or possess special abilities to serve as missionaries, but simply needed hearts willing to love Jesus and others.

Gratitude and Explanation

At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. James Kyaw Lin Htun expressed gratitude to God the Father and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He also thanked Cardinal Bo for presiding at the celebration despite his many responsibilities and acknowledged the presence of Bishop Emeritus Justin Saw Min Thide. He thanked all those who made it possible for the successful celebration and especially all the children who gave their time joyfully and enthusiastically.

During a gathering with the children after Mass, Fr. James reminded them of their missionary responsibility to love, serve, and pray for others.

Rev. Fr. Stephen Chit Thein, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, explained the purpose of contributions made on the feasts of the Epiphany, Good Shepherd Sunday, and World Mission Sunday. He told the children that these contributions are sent to Rome to support various evangelization initiatives and the spread of the Christian faith. He encouraged them to participate actively in the Church’s missionary mission.

Sr. Rufina Yuzana Aung of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood also gave a brief explanation of the history of World Mission Sunday, helping the children understand the significance of the annual celebration.

The World Mission Sunday theme song was sung during the distribution of Holy Communion and again during the gathering after Mass.

A Century of Mission

The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, which was first established in 1926 by Pope Pius XI. The theme of World Mission Sunday this year is “One in Christ, United in Mission.” It is a global day for the Catholic Church of prayer, Eucharistic Celebration, and financial collection to support mission territories worldwide.

Through the celebration, the children were encouraged to recognize that missionary work begins with simple acts of faith, kindness, generosity, and service, and that every baptized person has a role in sharing the love of Christ with the world.

As the children departed with smiles on their faces, they carried with them a simple but powerful message: they are missionaries today, not tomorrow.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service