Today on October 22 we celebrate World Mission Day! Its motto is “Hearts on fire, feet on the move” (cf. Luke 24:13-35), based on the story of the disciples of Emmaus.The encounter with the risen Jesus made the disciples unable to sit still. They didn’t mind that it was dark, that it might be dangerous, that they were tired, because they walked a long way already. They set off on a new path with joy.

And that’s usually how it is with missionaries. Sometimes people praise me that I sacrifice myself to help others. For me it’s no sacrifice. It is pure joy to serve in the name of Jesus. It is an honor for me that He chose me as an instrument in His beautiful mission. Sometimes I’m tired, sometimes I’m afraid of something, but it doesn’t stop me from going further. When I look at children who were on the street and who now live a new life, I am moved and sometimes even give me chills.I wish everyone to be happy in their own life mission. Maybe you serve a wider range of people, older or younger. You may be helping individuals. Maybe, like me, you hear the word “mom” a hundred times a day and although sometimes you are fed up with everything, you know that for these little people (a little person) you are everything and it is you who has this wonderful and satisfying responsibility to bring them up to become good and happy people.

Even if you don’t realize it, sometimes your small gestures or silent presence can make a huge difference to someone – be a missionary wherever you are.And to all those who have left their homes and now live somewhere in distant countries because of God’s call, I send greetings and wish you many blessings!

Today I recommend reading Pope Francis’ Message for this World Mission Day:https://www.vatican.va/…/20230106-giornata-missionaria…