Mission Sunday October 19, 2025

The Overseas Mission and Overseas Korean Pastoral Care Committee of the Bishops' Conference holds an annual "Overseas Mission Day" to review the overseas missionary activities of the Korean Church and explore more passionate missionary prospects. This year is particularly significant as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Korean Foreign Mission Society, which was established for overseas missions.

The Korean Church has grown from a 'receiving church' to a 'sharing church' through the love and support of the universal Church. Built upon the blood of martyrs, the Korean Church has become a proud member of the universal Church, grounded in the fervent spirit of martyrdom that inspired its martyrs. It has been entrusted with the missionary mandate to spread the Gospel beyond the Korean Peninsula to the entire world.

The Korean Church recognized this calling early on. Over the past decades, it has focused on establishing churches in regions where the Gospel has not been sufficiently spread, such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It has served the poor and marginalized through medical, educational, and social welfare activities. This was exemplary practice, testifying to a life of faith and love for neighbors, going beyond mere proclamation.

Today's world urgently demands the witness of the Gospel. Climate crisis, migrant and refugee issues, regional conflicts, economic inequality, and human alienation call for the Gospel of Christ to be revealed not only in words but through concrete practices of justice and love.

This year's 15th Overseas Mission Day, themed "The Catholic Church in Korea Speaks of Lay Missionaries," emphasizes the importance of lay missionaries. 

Mission is not solely the responsibility of clergy, religious, or professional missionaries. Proclaiming the Gospel is a spiritual calling given to all disciples of Christ. This Overseas Mission Day is an opportunity for all laypeople to rediscover the meaning and importance of mission as disciples of Christ.