Archdiocese of Bhopal in collaboration with other church denominations organised a week long prayer service for unity of all the Churches in Bhopal.
On the last day of the concluding prayer held at Assumption Church, Ashaniketan, Arera colony, Bhopal Archbishop Most Rev Leo Cornelio svd said in his address that unity of all the denominations is the need of the hour. Ecumenism helps us to remain strong in one faith, one baptism and in one Lord to be His witness in the modern society.
The week long prayer for the unity began at Christ Church, Govindpura, Queen of the Universe church, Kolar, Zion Church, Kolar, St Joseph's church, Barkheda, Bethlehem CNI church, Barkhedi, St John Mary church, Nehru nagar, Methodist Church, Ayodhya Nagar and finally at Assumption church, Arera Colony. The prayer began with an introduction by Fr Maria Stephen followed by praise and worship and introductory prayer by Pastor CP Singh. Before introducing the theme of the year "They showed us unusual kindness" by Fr Jose Prakash, Fr Silberious Tigga welcomed all the dignitaries with flowers. Pastor Vijay Nathaniel broke the word of God followed by taking pledge of the preamble of the constitution. The intercessory prayers and penitential rites were shared by the representatives of different church denominations and with the final blessings of Archbishop and the exchange of peace with one another the week long prayer came to an end.
Pope Leo XIII suggested to pray 8 days for the unity of the Churches during the feast of Pentecost in the year 1894. Later the prayer started in the year 1908. Since then the prayer is being carried out with zeal and enthusiasm all over the world.
Fathers- Mathew V.C., the V.G. of Bhopal Archdiocese, Jose Prakash, Shaji, Preetam, pastor Amos Shah, Samuel Sibloon, and many more priests and pastors were present besides large number of sisters and laity.
Fr. Maria Stephen the PRO and Secretary for the commission dialogue and ecumenism suggested to having similar gathering once in three months to promote unity and brotherhood among Christians.
