Church Looks Towards a New Century of Mission
As it enters its final days, Catholic Mission’s photographic exhibition Hope brings a century of mission to life, echoing the call to love at the heart of Pope Leo XIV’s newly announced theme for World Mission Sunday 2027.
Created to mark the centenary, the exhibition has reached audiences beyond Australia and received a personal message of congratulations from Father Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, OFM Conv., Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union.
Through its online collection and international coverage, including through Agenzia Fides, the exhibition has extended beyond the walls of ACU North Sydney, inviting people around the world to experience through photography stories of faith, resilience and human connection.
“The response to Hope, both in person and online, has carried hope around the world, reflecting the authentic spirit of unity and humanity that shines through the exhibition,” said Peter Gates, Catholic Mission National Director. “Receiving a personal message of encouragement was a beautiful recognition of the exhibition’s contribution to the Church’s global work and reach.”
“Congratulations to all the team who prepared that wonderful exhibition, Hope,” shared Fr Anh Nhue. “Hope actually is a journey through both time and places. On one hand, it traces the 100-year history of World Mission Sunday, and on the other, it traverses the continents, presenting photographs that reveal the faces of hope to the public.”
For Catholic Mission, that recognition also offers encouragement to carry the enthusiasm of the centenary into the next chapter of mission.
“The energy surrounding the centenary of World Mission Sunday has been incredible, across dioceses in Australia and around the world. Our gratitude and thanks to the whole Catholic community who have joined in this celebration of world mission. It has reminded us of our unity in Christ and our shared responsibility for mission,” said Peter.
“Through Hope, we see how people live out our shared mission every day, in the love and care they show one another. As we enter a new century of World Mission Sunday, the invitation is to carry that love forward.”
That invitation is reflected in the theme Pope Leo XIV has chosen for the 101st World Mission Sunday, opening a new century of mission: ‘The love of Christ sends us forth’ (cf. 2 Cor 5:14). Announced on 31 October, the theme will guide the celebration on Sunday 24 October 2027.
The new theme calls on Catholics everywhere to give that love expression in their own lives, reaching beyond themselves to share the Gospel and accompany others. As Pope Leo XIV reflected in his message for World Mission Sunday 2026, “if unity is the condition of mission, love is its essence.”
That invitation to carry love forward is also shaping what comes next for Hope. Encouraged by the overwhelming local and international response, Catholic Mission is exploring opportunities to bring the exhibition to new audiences. In the meantime, visitors can experience the collection at ACU North Sydney until 9 November or explore its stories online.
Hope brings together photographs taken during encounters with Catholic Mission’s partner communities around the world. Through moments of daily life, the exhibition explores how hope is lived and shared through encounter, care, faith and community.
Visit the online collection
