New York-based chaplain Father Roger Landry to take on leadership role at Pontifical Mission Societies USA starting January 2025

Father Roger Landry has been named the new national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies USA (TPMS-USA), the Vatican’s ministry dedicated to supporting Catholic missionary activities around the world.

Through prayers, financial contributions, and moral support, TPMS-USA helps bring the Catholic faith to people in need.

Landry, a priest from the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, currently serves as chaplain at Columbia University in New York.

Known for his work as a preacher, writer, retreat leader, and pilgrimage guide, Landry also brings a wealth of experience from his seven years at the United Nations, where he represented the Holy See.

Additionally, in 2016, Pope Francis appointed him as a permanent Missionary of Mercy, a role that emphasizes compassion and forgiveness within the Church.

A Lifelong Passion for Mission

In a statement, Father Landry expressed his deep connection to the Church’s mission, recalling his childhood fascination with stories of missionaries who dedicated their lives to spreading the faith.

Now, as he prepares to lead TPMS-USA, Landry feels overjoyed at the opportunity to support those on the front lines of missionary work.

He echoed Pope Francis’ sentiment that the Church is not just about having a mission; rather, the Church is a mission, and every disciple of Christ shares that mission.

Supporting Global Evangelization

TPMS-USA is responsible for several important initiatives within the Church, including the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, the Missionary Childhood Association, and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious.

These societies play a crucial role in supporting missionary activities by funding the construction of churches, forming new priests and religious leaders, and establishing schools and catechetical centers in emerging missionary dioceses.

Father Landry will officially assume his new role in January 2025, taking over from Monsignor Kieran Harrington, who resigned earlier this year.

Currently, Father Anthony Andreassi, CO, is serving as interim director.

A New Chapter Begins

Father Landry shared that his journey toward this new role began while leading the recent National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, a remarkable event that saw the Eucharist carried thousands of miles across the United States as a testament to the Catholic faith.

Landry was the only priest to walk the entire 1,500-mile route of the eastern Seton pilgrimage, accompanied by young pilgrims and the Eucharistic Lord.

It was during this time that Cardinal Luis Tagle, the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, confirmed Landry’s appointment as the new national director.

In a reflection on the Eucharistic Pilgrimage, Landry emphasized the profound connection between living a Catholic life and living a Eucharistic life.

He believes that a Eucharistic life is inherently missionary, as Catholics are called to follow Christ’s example of self-giving and to make their lives a gift for others.

This connection, Landry noted, is expressed through the “Amen” Catholics say when receiving Communion and the “Amen” said at the end of Mass, as they are sent forth to spread the Gospel.

Facing the Missionary Challenge

As he steps into his new role, Father Landry is keenly aware of the challenges ahead.

Despite 2,000 years of Christian history, only 30% of the world’s population identifies as Christian, and just 15% are Catholic.

Landry sees the entire world as a vast missionary territory, much like it was in the early days of the Church. He calls on all Catholics to take seriously Christ’s command to “Go, make disciples.”

Landry expressed his honor at being called to this work and hopes to count on the collaboration of fellow Catholics.

He draws inspiration from St. Teresa of Calcutta, urging others to follow her example of transforming the love encountered in the Eucharist into acts of love in the world.

A New Chapter for TPMS-USA

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the TPMS-USA Board of Directors, expressed his enthusiasm for Father Landry’s appointment.

He praised Landry’s dedication to the Church’s mission and his extensive experience, which make him an ideal leader for TPMS-USA.

As the organization continues its work of supporting evangelization efforts, especially in areas where the Church is still new, materially poor, or persecuted, Landry’s leadership will be crucial in guiding its future direction.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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