Day 36: That They May All Be One

This morning Pope Francis meet with leaders of different churches and religions and present among them was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew.  This is significant because this is the first time that the head of the Orthodox Church attends a Papal installation since the Great Schism of 1054 in which the Eastern and the Western Churches separated for reasons that are too lengthy to mention here.  Point being, our Holy Father has begun his Pontificate stressing the importance of unity among Catholics, among Christians of other denominations, and among all people of good will since the Chief Rabbi of Rome was also present this morninig.  During this Year of Faith which commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, we recall the landmark documents on Ecumenism and Inter-religious Dialogue that arose from the council.  Blessed John Paul II prayed the same prayer that Jesus prayed, "That they may all be one."  It must be our fervent prayer that all those who profess Jesus as Lord be joined together in one common faith, one common song, and one clear voice to announce this Good News to the entire world.  As we continue to pray for Pope Francis, also pray for the unity of all Christians so that one day we may indeed all be one.