The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Prayer is at the very core of the spiritual ecumenism to which the Catholic Church is committed in the search for Christian unity.

“In the ecumenical movement it is necessary to give priority to conversion of heart, spiritual life and its renewal. This change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement and can rightly be called ‘spiritual ecumenism'. Individual Christians, therefore, insofar as they live a genuine spiritual life with Christ the Saviour as its centre and the glory of God the Father as its goal, can always and everywhere share deeply in the ecumenical movement, witnessing to the Gospel of Christ with their lives.’” (Ecumenical Directory §63)

“Because we share a real communion as brothers and sisters in Christ, Catholics not only can, but indeed must, seek out opportunities to pray with other Christians. Certain forms of prayer are particularly appropriate in the search for Christian unity.” (Vademecum §17)

“The Second Vatican Council taught that ‘human powers and capacities cannot achieve … the reconciling of all Christians in the unity of the one and only Church of Christ’ (UR §24). In praying for unity we acknowledge that unity is a gift of the Holy Spirit and not something we can achieve through our own efforts.” (Vademecum §18)

A week devoted to prayer for Christian Unity is formally observed annually from 18 to 25 January. It culminates in a service for the Greater Toronto Area with the presence of church leaders in the Archdiocese of Toronto.1

Prayer for the full visible unity among Christians also takes other forms, both during the Week of Prayer and throughout the year, depending on particular situations of parishes and neighbourhoods.2

Praying for Other Christians: The Catholic Liturgy
During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity as well as throughout the liturgical year, the Catholic Liturgy provides many opportunities for prayer for the restoration of full visible unity among Christians, churches and ecclesial communities. Among the Eucharistic Prayers in the Roman Missal, in the Masses for Various Needs, the Eucharistic Prayer ‘The Church on the Path of Unity’ is commended for use. The Roman Missal also contains three options as a Mass for Christian Unity with its own propers that may be used, provided it does not occur on a Sunday of Advent, Lent or Easter, or on a Solemnity. Prayer for unity is easily incorporated in the Formularies for the Universal Prayer (Prayers of the Faithful). Litanies are always appropriate as part of Liturgies of the Word in other settings.3

Joining in the Prayer of Other Christians
Sharing in the Liturgies of the Word of other Christians (i.e. Vespers, Evensong) gives witness to the bond of unity that already exists among Christians and to pray for greater visible unity.4

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service: Common Prayer The tradition of common prayer specifically concerned with the restoration of Christian unity culminates in the annual service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The materials are prepared by a team from a particular country in collaboration with an international committee comprising of representatives from the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches.5

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2024
The resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2024 have been prepared by an ecumenical team from Burkina Faso facilitated by the local Chemin Neuf Community (CCN). The biblical text chosen for this year’s celebration is, “You shall love the Lord your God ... and your neighbour as yourself” (Luke 10:27).

For more information and resources for celebrating the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, please click here.

The parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto celebrate this week by organizing special services and participating in events organized in collaboration with other churches, ecclesial communities, and organizations that include:

• Annual Greater Toronto Area Service (With Church Leaders) will be held on Sunday, January 21,2024 at St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Cathedral (455 Ferrier St., Markham, ON L3R 5Z2). Organized by the Archdiocese of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area Council of Christian Churches-GTACCC. Group Photo. Video recording of the Prayer Service.
• Neighbourhood Services. How to Organize an Ecumenical Celebration or Event.
• Toronto School of Theology Annual Service (with College representatives).
• Friars’ Secondary Student Writing Contest & Award.
  This long-standing tradition for high school students in the Archdiocese of Toronto is organized and publicized in partnership with The Catholic Register and the Franciscan Friars of Atonement (SA) Community.
• Monthly Prayer Services for Christian Unity from various ecclesial traditions throughout the Year.
  
  

Festival of Prayer 2024: “The Beauty of Holiness” Series Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Decree on Ecumenism

Christians from various traditions in the Archdiocese of Toronto will celebrate the unity that we share in Jesus Christ throughout 2024 in the Greater Toronto Area as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Vatican II Decree on Ecumenism, ‘Unitatis Redintegratio’.

During the Festival of Prayer, diverse monthly services and events will give witness to the shared life we already have as disciples seeking the visible unity willed by Christ for the Church, “that the world may believe” (John 17:21). They also will give expression to ‘receptive ecumenism’ of ‘faith in action’ through the welcome of Christ and one another (cf. Romans 15:7), that we are on a shared journey of faith.

This series draws inspiration from 1 Peter 1: 15-16, “As he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’”. It also recognizes that we are a pilgrim people and reminds us that “a change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement, and merits the name, ‘spiritual ecumenism’” (UR, 8).

Prayer for Christian Unity at Other Times of the Year 

Many opportunities exist for Catholics in the Archdiocese of Toronto to gather to pray for and with other Christians through the year. 

“Prayer in common is recommended for Catholics and other Christians so that together they may put before God the needs and problems they share—e.g., peace, social concerns, mutual charity among people, the dignity of the family, the effects of poverty, hunger and violence, etc. The same may be said of occasions when, according to circumstances, a nation, region or community wishes to make a common act of thanksgiving or petition to God, as on a national holiday, at a time of public disaster or mourning, on a day set aside for remembrance of those who have died for their country, etc. This kind of prayer is also recommended when Christians hold meetings for study or common action”. [Ecumenical Directory §109]

Ontario Prayer Breakfast
Since 1969 this annual event brings Christians together for prayer in support of the Members of the Provincial Parliament, Mayors and the City Councillors. Presenters from diverse background share how their lives have been touched by God’s unfailing love. The event includes a musical guest and invites leaders of the Ontario Liberal, New Democratic and Progressive Conservative Parties in addition to the Mayor of the City of Toronto as head table guests to offer scripture readings. One or two lay individuals are asked to offer grace and prayer for our political leaders. It is organized by a volunteer Board of Directors and is a registered not-for-profit but is not a charitable entity.

The Prayer Breakfast reminds us about the time when Jesus had his breakfast with his Disciples on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias (John 21). At that breakfast Jesus confirmed his resurrection, demonstrated his presence with his disciples following the crucifixion, and explained the reality of a promise made earlier, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with you”. (Matt. 18:20). 

5oth Anniversary Ontario Prayer Breakfast Video.

Season of Creation
The Season of Creation is observed annually from 1 September to 4 October. The global Christian family prays for good stewardship and care of the earth.6 

The Season of Creation educates and generates enthusiasm for the care of our common home not only through prayer but also through action and advocacy as disciples of Jesus.

Catholic involvement in this initiative formally began in 2015 when Pope Francis declared September 1 as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation that also coincided with the celebration of Season of Creation instituted by the Orthodox Church in 1989.

Each year a theme is chosen by an international ecumenical steering committee, inspired by Psalm 24:1, “the Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it”. The theme of the Season of Creation for 2023 is “Let justice and peace flow”.(Amos 5:24) (Video)

Like the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the Season of Creation may be observed with flexibility and resources may be adapted to local situations. Some ways to mark this event this year include:

Prayers of the Faithful
Creationtide Intercessions
Prayer for Eucharistic Adoration
Novena to Saint Francis
Care of Creation Rosary
Season of Creation 2023 Prayer
Awareness and Advocacy

Message of Pope Francis to begin the Season of Creation in 2023.

Joint Message for the Protection of Creation of Pope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury.

For more information on how to celebrate ecumenically the Season of Creation in 2023, please see.

World Day of Prayer
The World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women who welcome all to join in on a common day of prayer on the first Friday of March. Prayer for peace and justice is especially promoted.

Ecumenical Vigil for International Earth Hour
Christians come together in a Prayer Vigil to observe the annual International Earth Hour on 25 March.

Ecumenism of Blood and Red Wednesday

“In certain parts of the world Christians suffer persecution. Pope Francis has often spoken of the ‘ecumenism of blood’. Those who persecute Christians often recognise better than Christians do themselves the unity that exists among them. In honouring Christians from other traditions who have suffered martyrdom Catholics recognise the riches that Christ has bestowed on them and to which they bear powerful witness (see UR §4).” (Vademecum §22)

One day a year, St. Michael’s Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Toronto and many landmark buildings around the world are illuminated in scarlet. Red Wednesday is a campaign of Aid to the Church in Need, a pontifical foundation, in solidarity with Christians around the world who have been persecuted for their religious beliefs.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a statement "In His Name" on the state of persecution of Christians in the World today.

Global Week of Prayer for the Persecuted Christians

Religious persecution around the world is at its peak and increasing day by day. World Watch List, Open Doors, and PEW Research Center have continuously reported that Christians are on top of the list among all these religious persecuted communities.

An international coalition of lay Catholics has been working to pray for the plight of Christians suffering for their faith. The President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, Cardinal Charles Bo, announced an appeal for a Global Week of Prayer from May 23rd to 30th. The dates have been set in keeping with tradition since Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI designated the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians as a day to pray especially for the Church in China. Pope Francis has also raised his voice in one of his video messages.

Parishes are called to incorporate the provided intercessory prayers and other pastoral resources found on website during the Week of Prayer.

Christian Meditation
Christian Meditation is an ancient form of prayer and spiritual practice, dating back to the writings of the desert monks in the 3rd and 4th centuries, but which has clear roots in the Gospels. The silent repetition of a short prayer, or a single prayer word, often the name of Jesus, is used as a way to still the mind and allow one to experience the fullness of the present moment where the presence of the Lord dwells.

Many groups of this time-honoured way of prayer that enriches and deepens one’s relationship with God and other Christians are found throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto.

For a list of Christian Meditation Groups in parishes of the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Charismatic Prayer
Many Catholic Charismatic Prayer Groups exist in the Archdiocese of Toronto. “Charismatic prayer groups often bring people of different traditions together in common prayer. When there is prayer and discerning leadership, such groups witness remarkably to the unifying presence of the Holy Spirit.”7

Taizé Prayer
There are groups and parishes where people pray in a meditative way, with plenty of silence and singing the songs from the ecumenical community of Taize' in France. This ‘pilgrimage of trust’ gives expression to the unity that already exists among Christians of various traditions.

The Word of God: Celebrated, Read and Lived

“Unitatis redintegratio describes the scriptures as ‘an instrument of the highest value in the mighty hand of God for the attainment of … unity; (§21). The Ecumenical Directory urges that everything possible should be done to encourage Christians to read the scriptures together. In so doing, the document continues, the bond of unity between Christians is reinforced, they are opened to the unifying action of God, and their common witness to the Word of God is strengthened (see §183).” (Vademecum §20)

Pope Francis instituted The Sunday of the Word of God to be held every year on the third Sunday of Ordinary Time, with the Apostolic Letter in the form of a Motu proprio Aperuit illis issued on 30 September, 2019.

Usually falling within the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, The Sunday of the Word of God is intended it to be a day dedicated to the celebration, reflection, and dissemination of the Word.

“This Sunday of the Word of God will thus be a fitting part of that time of the year when we are encouraged to strengthen our bonds with the Jewish people and to pray for Christian unity. This is more than a temporal coincidence: the celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God has ecumenical value, since the Scriptures point out, for those who listen, the path to authentic and firm unity.” (Aperuit illis §3)

It is through the proclaimed biblical readings in the liturgy that God speaks to his people and Christ himself proclaims his Gospel. This proclamation takes various settings, from at Mass, the sacraments and sacramentals, the Liturgy of the Hours (Lauds and Vespers) or other liturgies.

“As Christians, we are one people, making our pilgrim way through history, sustained by the Lord, present in our midst, who speaks to us and nourishes us. A day devoted to the Bible should not be seen as a yearly event but rather a year-long event, for we urgently need to grow in our knowledge and love of the Scriptures and of the Risen Lord, who continues to speak his word and to break bread in the community of believers. For this reason, we need to develop a closer relationship with Sacred Scripture; otherwise, our hearts will remain cold and our eyes shut, inflicted as we are by so many forms of blindness” (n. 8).

The Bible in a Year Podcast guides Catholics through the Bible in 365 daily episodes, providing commentary, reflection, and prayer along the way. Through a ground-breaking approach to understanding salvation history, with the podcast, one won’t just read the Bible in a year but will understand how all the pieces of the Bible fit together to tell an amazing story that continues in life today. This programme helps all Christians: read the entire Bible; become more confident in the understanding of Scripture; experience the transformative power of God’s Word in daily life; and start seeing the world through the lens of Scripture.

Proclamation is a programme that involves a reading God’s Word aloud in public and in its entirety from beginning to end, over a 10-day period. Readings integrate Old Testament with Psalms and Proverbs and New Testament texts. The roots of this experience are as old as the book of Nehemiah, where in the eight chapter, Ezra and the priest reads the law aloud to the whole assembly of Israel from beginning to end and spiritual renewal followed. Proclamation usually brings together Christians of different congregations, parishes from many traditions and confessions. It is a co-operative spirit that makes a powerful statement of unity to the community.

Prayer for Christian Unity

“Lord Jesus, on the night before you died for us, 
you prayed that all your disciples may be perfectly one,
as you are in your Father and your Father is in you.
Make us painfully aware of our lack of faith in not being united.
Give us the faithfulness to acknowledge,
and the courage to reject, our hidden indifference,
distrust and even enmity towards one another.
Grant that we all may meet one another in you,
so that from our souls and our lips there may ever arise
your prayer for the unity of Christians
as you will it and by the means that you desire.
In you, who are perfect Love,
grant us to find the way that leads to unity,
in obedience to your love and your truth.
Amen.”8

Endnotes

1. The Bishop and Christian Unity: An Ecumenical Vademecum, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Vatican, 5 June 2020, §18. [Hereafter Vademecum].
2. Vademecum §19.
3. Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Vatican: 25 March 1993, §62, [Hereafter Ecumenical Directory].
4. Ecumenical Directory §63.
5. Ecumenical Directory §110.
6. Ecumenical Directory §215.
7. Guidelines for Ecumenical and Interfaith Action in Ontario, Ontario Catholic Conference for Ecumenism, 1985, §24. 
8. Vademecum §42.  Composed by “Father Paul Couturier (1881–1953), a Catholic pioneer in the ecumenical movement and particularly of spiritual ecumenism that called upon the grace of Christ’s victory over division in his prayer for unity which continues to inspire Christians of many different traditions”.

     *Source for the image at the top of the webpage: Wikimedia Commons
     *Source of the picture of the candles: Wikimedia Commons