蜜桃交友

By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis has reminded the faithful that 鈥淓cumenism is not something optional鈥�.

Speaking during the weekly General Audience, the Pope looked ahead to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that takes place from 18 to 25 January.

He noted that the annual 鈥淲eek of Prayer鈥�, on the theme 鈥淛ustice, and only justice, you shall pursue鈥�, kicks off with the celebration of Vespers in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls on Friday.

鈥淎gain, this year we are called to pray so that all Christians may once again be a single family, according to God鈥檚 will 鈥榮o that they may all be one鈥欌�� he said.

Pointing out that 鈥渆cumenism is not something optional,鈥�  he said it aims 鈥渢o develop a common and consistent witness that promotes true justice and support for the weakest through responses that are concrete, appropriate and effective鈥�.

The annual 鈥淲eek of Prayer for Christian Unity鈥� is a time in which Christians are reminded of Jesus鈥� prayer for His disciples that 鈥渢hey may be one so that the world may believe鈥� (John 17.21).

It is an occasion for Christians of different denominations to come together to pray for their unity and participate in special ecumenical celebrations and prayer services.

The theme in 2019, "Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue ..." is inspired by Deuteronomy 16:18-20.