United in Mission - The Branches, October 20, 2026

Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

October 20, 2026

Hello Everyone —

This past Sunday, we celebrated World Mission Sunday. In his letter to the faithful preparing us for the day, Pope Leo XIV opened by writing:

For World Mission Day 2026, which marks the centenary of a celebration established by Pius XI that is very dear to the Church, I have chosen the theme “One in Christ, united in mission.” Following the Jubilee Year, I wish to encourage the whole Church to continue its missionary journey with joy and zeal in the Holy Spirit. This requires hearts united in Christ, reconciled communities and, in everyone, a willingness to cooperate with generosity and trust.

As we reflect on being one in Christ and united in mission, let us allow ourselves to be guided and inspired by divine grace, “to renew in ourselves the fire of our missionary vocation” and advance together in the commitment to evangelization, in this “new missionary age” in the history of the Church (Homily, Jubilee of the Missionary World and of Migrants, 5 October 2025).

Pope Leo concludes his message with the following prayer:

Holy Father, make us one in Christ, rooted in his love that unites and renews. May all members of the Church be united in mission, docile to the Holy Spirit, courageous in bearing witness to the Gospel, proclaiming and daily embodying your faithful love for all creatures.

Bless all missionary men and women, support them in their efforts, and watch over them in hope!

Mary, Queen of Missions, accompany our work of evangelization in every corner of the earth: make us instruments of peace, and grant that the whole world may recognize in Christ the light that saves. Amen.

This week, along with a group of pilgrims, I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic to visit our sister parish, La Sagrada Familia, in Sabana Yegua, Azua. The occasion of the trip is to mark 45 years of sharing that has taken place between the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana. I am excited to represent our archdiocese there and to extend your greetings and prayers to everyone I will encounter during the visit. Please pray for our travels.

And as our Holy Father, Pope Leo, continues to recover from lung surgery, let us commend our prayerful intentions on his behalf to the Mother of God by offering the Memorare:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

As I do for you, please pray for me,

Most Reverend Jeffrey S. Grob
Archbishop of Milwaukee