This week we pray in a special way for the unity of all Christians throughout the world. The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2025 comes from John 11:26, “Do you believe this?” More than ever, in these difficult times, we need a light that shines in the darkness and that light, Christians proclaim, has been manifested in Jesus Christ.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has a history of over 100 years, in which Christians around the world have taken part in an octave of prayer for visible Christian unity. By annually observing the WPCU, Christians move toward the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper “that they all may be one.” (cf John 17–21).
Ecumenism, from the Greek word “oikoumene,” meaning “the whole inhabited world,” is the promotion of cooperation and unity among Christians. The Ecumenical movement today has been brought about by the conviction that a divided Christianity is a scandal to the world. Underlying the Catholic Church’s pursuit of ecumenism is its recognition that elements of sanctification and truth are found in other churches (Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium 8).
It can be said that the Ecumenicity of the Church is another way of expressing her radical catholicity or universality (See Guidelines for Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue 1967).
Since the 1960s, following Vatican II, breakthrough agreements have been reached between Catholics and other communions including statements on Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry. It is my sincerest desire that we continue efforts to strengthen our unity with our Christian brothers and sisters in our local community.
Your Servant in Christ,
Fr. Jason C. Hage
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Mary, Mother of Our Savior, pray for us!