Bishop Giovanni leads prayer vigil on eve of World Mission Day

Bishop Giovanni led a prayer vigil on Friday, October 16, at the Melorie church in Ponsacco to mark the eve of the 100th World Mission Day. The service included Eucharistic adoration, the chanting of psalms, and readings from the message sent by Pope Leo XIV for the mission day.

During his commentary on the Gospel, Bishop Giovanni spoke about Jesus' prayer for his disciples to be one so that the world might believe. The bishop noted that a lack of unity prevents the Church from offering a credible testimony. He explained that the theme for this centennial mission day emphasizes how a new humanity, born from faith, serves as the most effective sign of the Gospel.

Bishop Giovanni encouraged the faithful to renew the sense of mission within parishes, pastoral councils, and catechesis. He stated that the Church exists for the purpose of mission and that witnessing a life changed by Jesus makes the faith attractive to others.