English 
This year’s Mission Sunday at St. Lukas Parish, Apau Kayan, Indonesia, was truly a moment of grace and joy, a celebration that will long remain in our hearts. For the first time, our parish observed this special day with such deep fervor and missionary zeal, marking a milestone in our faith journey as a community. The entire liturgy was beautifully prepared with the collaboration of our young people, whose enthusiasm filled the church with life and color. The celebration revolved around the themes of hope, the Word of God, and our baptismal responsibility to share in the mission of Christ. The introduction to the Mass included a symbolic presentation of the five continents, reminding us of the Church’s universal mission and our call to pray for all peoples. The colorful procession that followed was a sight of faith in motion, a true reflection of our unity and diversity.
During the homily, Fr. Raffaele Manenti and I shared the message of Pope Francis for World Mission Sunday 2025, inviting everyone to become “Missionaries of Hope.” We reflected on how prayer gives life to mission and how every baptized person, no matter where they are, is called to radiate Christ’s light and love. The enthronement of the Bible was a deeply moving moment, placing the Word of God at the very center of our celebration and our lives. The children, full of joy and curiosity, added a special charm to the day. They eagerly learned and recited the names of the twelve Apostles, receiving small gifts as tokens of encouragement. Each child was also given the name of a continent to pray for a simple yet profound way of connecting them to the Church’s universal mission.
One of the most touching moments was the Mission Rosary, prayed together as one family of faith. Each decade represented a different continent, linking our small parish to the great mission of the Church throughout the world. As we prayed, I felt a deep sense of communion as if our humble voices were joining countless others across the globe in one great symphony of faith and love.
The celebration did not end within the church walls. Later that day, I was invited into a Muslim home for a moment of prayer. Together, we prayed the Holy Rosary and shared a spontaneous prayer service. Quoting Romans 10:9–10 — “If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”. I witnessed something truly beautiful: the light of hope shining in their eyes. It was a sacred encounter, reminding me that God’s love knows no boundaries and that His Spirit moves where He wills.
As the day drew to a close, my heart overflowed with gratitude. I felt a renewed conviction that every moment, every encounter, can become a mission moment when lived with love. Truly, Jesus, the First and Greatest Evangelizer continues to use even the weakest instruments to bring His Kingdom to life. With profound joy and humility, I thank the Lord for allowing me to be part of this vibrant, hope-filled celebration, where hearts were touched, faith was deepened, and the missionary flame burned brighter than ever.
Sr. Namita Louis, Indonesia
