Deadline for Mission Box contest extended to June 1

A mail-out error meant some schools did not receive contest information about the 2026 contest, so Fr Michael Pui, the national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, extended the deadline for submission from May 1 to June 1.

Fr Pui said he is delighted to get more entries this year than the previous year. He said the quality of the designs is also very good, and it brings a smile to his face seeing the effort the students put in. 

The students’ awareness of the need to support the Pontifical Mission Societies is especially poignant as this year marks the 100th anniversary of Mission Sunday being extended to the whole of the universal Church by Pope Pius XI in 1926, Fr Pui said. 

Mission Sunday this year will be on October 18. In January, Pope Leo XIV announced the theme for this year, “One in Christ, United in Mission”, focusing on unity, evangelisation and gratitude for global missionary work. 

Fr Pui visited Rosmini College on Auckland’s North Shore last month and spoke to students about Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations”. He challenged the students to see mission not just as something that happens in far-off lands, but as a way of life – beginning in local communities through acts of service, compassion and bold faith.

Fr Pui spent time in two religious education classes, speaking about his ministry. He shared stories of the Church’s work globally and highlighted tangible opportunities for Rosmini College to assist.

A Young Vinnies leader at Rosmini said “from the very start, Fr Michael was extremely humble, kind and passionate about getting to know the students and interacting with them through his jokes and his speech bubble jokes. He answered everyone’s question with in-depth answers and biblical evidence and even ended up getting a few donations on the spot”.

While in Auckland, Fr Pui also gave a retreat for Auckland directors of religious studies and heads of department.

FULL STORY

Deadline extended for Mission Box design contest (MissioNZ)

Message of the Holy Father for the 100th World Mission Day 2026 [18 October 2026] (25 January 2026) (Holy See)

Father Michael Pui visits Rosmini (Rosmini College)