A Global Invitation to Prayer
Catholics worldwide are invited to participate spiritually in the International Missionary Rosary on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The initiative precedes the 100th celebration of World Mission Sunday, taking place on October 18.
Promoted by the Pontifical Mission Societies, the prayer gathering will focus on the Church’s missionary work and the health and recovery of Pope Leo XIV.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is scheduled to lead the Rosary in Rome.
When and Where Will It Take Place?
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Rome
15:00
Mainland Portugal
14:00
Location: International Center for Missionary Animation (CIAM), Rome.
Official information: Pontifical Mission Societies
The organizers have announced that the celebration will be available through online broadcasts, allowing people outside Rome to participate.
How to Pray the Missionary Rosary
The Missionary Rosary was created in 1951 by Fulton J. Sheen as a way to encourage prayer for the Church throughout the world.
Its five decades represent different continents and regions, reminding participants of the global dimensions of the Christian mission.
The traditional colors are green for Africa, red for the Americas, white for Europe, blue for Oceania and yellow for Asia.
Families, parish groups and young people can pray the Rosary together, dedicating each decade to the needs of a different region.
For those unable to follow the Rome gathering live, the prayer can also be offered privately or in small communities.
Preparing for World Mission Sunday
This year’s observance carries particular significance as the Church marks a century of World Mission Sunday.
The 2026 theme, One in Christ, United in Mission, highlights the relationship between Christian unity and missionary service.
For young Catholics, the celebration provides an opportunity to pray for people serving communities far from home and reflect on the missionary calling that also inspires World Youth Day.
Sources: Pontifical Mission Societies, October 15, 2026 — Official announcement; Vatican News, October 16, 2026 — Event details; Pontifical Mission Societies Rosary guide.
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