Ecumenism: January 2012 Archives

Dear brothers and sisters! It is with great joy that I extend my warm greetings to all of you who have gathered in this basilica for the liturgical Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, concluding the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, in this year when we are celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, that the Blessed John XXIII announced in this very basilica on January 25, 1959. The theme offered for our meditation in the Week of prayer which we conclude today, is: "All shall be changed by the victory of Jesus Christ our Lord" (cf. 1 Cor 15.51-58).

This week, as you know, is a period of time for prayer (and fasting, I hope) for the intention of Christian Unity. The intention in my mind, and I might say, in the mind of the Pope, is a non-negotiable: we need not only to pray but to actively work for unity among Christians. This week, therefore, is an invitation to beg the Lord for the grace of unity for the Church.

The theme of the '12 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18-25 Jan) is taken from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians "We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (15:51-58).

The Church prays for Unity among Christians

Make known in us, O Lord, the abundance of your mercy and, in the power of your Spirit, remove the divisions between Christians, that your Church may appear more clearly as a sign raised high among the nations and the world, enlightened by your Spirit, may believe in the Christ whom you have sent.