“That they may all be one.” — John 17:21
As we reflect on our theme for this week, “ONE IN CHRIST,” inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 100th World Mission Sunday 2026, we are reminded that we are all called to live as one family in Jesus Christ, united in faith, love, and mission.
One experience that helped me understand what it means to be ONE IN CHRIST was participating in an interreligious dialogue at a Buddhist temple. Engaging in conversation with people of another faith allowed me to experience the beauty of listening, mutual respect, and openness to one another. I realized that although we have different religious beliefs, we can still come together, learn from one another, and build bridges of understanding and peace.
As a seminarian who wants to be a Xaverian Missionary, this experience reminded me of our charism: to proclaim the Gospel to the non-Christians. It also brought to mind the vision of our founder, St. Guido Maria Conforti, who called us to make the world one family in Christ. This mission does not mean ignoring our differences, but rather recognizing the dignity of every person and allowing love to bring us closer together.
Through this experience, I came to appreciate that mission begins with an open heart—one that is willing to listen, encounter others, and witness to Christ through love and respect. To be ONE IN CHRIST is to build unity amid diversity, to love as Jesus loves, and to serve as He serves. We become missionaries whenever we choose forgiveness over anger, kindness over indifference, and unity over division.
As we celebrate the 100th World Mission Sunday 2026, let us ask ourselves: Who can experience Christ’s love through me? May we continue to live our missionary vocation by reaching out to others with compassionate hearts and becoming living witnesses of the Gospel.
When we are one in Christ, we become united in His mission: to make His love known to the world and to help build a world where all people can live as one family in Christ.
