Pope calls for renewed missionary zeal based on love for Eucharist

Published: 2004-04-29

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II called for renewed missionary zeal based on a "constant relationship" with the Eucharist. In his message for World Mission Sunday 2004, the pope said the church's mission of evangelization was "still only at the beginning" even after 2,000 years of service. "The social and religious challenges facing humanity in our day call believers to renew their missionary fervor. Yes. It is necessary to relaunch mission 'ad gentes' with courage," he said in his written message. The Vatican released this year's message April 29, ahead of World Mission Sunday which will be celebrated Oct. 24 in most dioceses. Addressing this year's theme, "Eucharist and Mission," the pope focused on the importance of the Eucharist in sparking and sustaining the call to spread the Gospel.

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