Pope Francis invited the faithful on January 16 to "offer our difficulties and sufferings for the unity of Christians." The Pope's appeal comes as the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins January 18.
The Holy Father noted, "This year’s proposal mirrors the experience of the Magi who came from the East to Bethlehem to honour the Messianic King. We Christians, in the diversity of our confessions and traditions, are also pilgrims on the way toward full unity, and we will draw near our goal to the extent that we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our only Lord."
This year's materials and theme were chosen by the Middle East Council of Churches based in Beirut, Lebanon.
The Pope referred to the Christian practice of uniting our difficulties with the Lord on the Cross, as a type of prayer. When we offer up our pain (or discomfort or frustration or uncertainty), God takes that struggle as a prayer, strengthened by suffering, and uses it for the salvation of souls and the glory of his name.
Pope Benedict XVI called for a resurgence in this practice:
Pope Francis invited:
Traditionally, the Pope concludes this Week of Prayer with Vespers in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, for the feast of the conversion of the Apostle Paul on January 25.
