Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity – 18th – 25th January
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18-25 January) has become a well-established yearly event. Its history is linked to Ignatius Spencer (1840), the first Lambeth Conference (1867), the encouragement of Pope Leo XIII (1894) and above all Paul Watson, who was the first to celebrate an “Octave for Church Unity”. From 1926 on, the Faith and Order movement has chosen its themes. Among Catholics, Paul Couturier was its first and tireless promoter (1935).
The week has been prepared jointly by the “Centre L’Unité Chrétienne” in Lyons and by the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Following the Second Vatican Council and its Decree Unitatis Redintegratio (1964), it has been prepared, from 1968 on, with texts provided by Faith and Order and by the Secretariat for Christian Unity. with occasional help from national bodies. The theme for 2001 – “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Light” (Jn 14:1-6) – originated in Romania.
On the Solemnity of the Conversion of Saint Paul, 25 January, the commemoration of the Conversion of Saint Paul, is the last day of the Week of Prayer; on that day the Holy Father all the Churches and Ecclesial Communities to gather with him for a common celebration of the word of God at the tomb of the Apostle, in the Patriarchal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. (Continue reading click here)
Here’s the official website for the week of Prayer for Christian Unity click here The Official international version of the text for the week is found click here.
