This week, the service was prepared by the brothers and sisters of the Community in England (Somerset)
Reflection text
Unity in diversity
Excerpt from To Be One, Fr Joseba Kamiruaga Mieza CMF
Sunday Examiner.org.hk 24.1.25
The path to unity begins with a rediscovery of the centrality of the Risen Christ in our lives. This journey is deeply personal yet inherently communal, weaving together the diverse experiences of individuals into a tapestry of fraternity. This unity does not erase diversity but embraces it, transforming it into a shared journey.
Among Christians, unity is not a distant hope but an expression of God’s will. It requires embracing the diversity within the body of Christ and transforming historical wounds into opportunities for healing and reconciliation. The journey of ecumenism, while fraught with challenges, is a testimony to the shared faith in the Risen Jesus.
Reconciliation among Christian confessions begins with the recognition of differences and the willingness to grow together. It involves weaving threads of unity, not by erasing individuality but by embracing a fraternal style of living that reflects the Gospel’s call to love and communion.
Intercessions
To be adapted or modified according to the place and the circumstances
In England the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, was installed at Canterbury in March 2026.
We pray for her and for the Anglican communion that her appointment may bring blessing, unity and renewed impetus to the Christian church.
We pray for Iran, Ukraine, Lebanon, Sudan and other places throughout our world where there is ongoing conflict, war and violence. We ask that you bring strength and hope to all who are suffering, that you touch the hearts and minds of those in positions of power and responsibility, that they might work for dialogue, negotiation and peace.
We pray for all people of faith especially those who are persecuted, oppressed and fearful. Help each of us to work towards mutual respect, recognising our differences, yet secure in the knowledge that we are all your children, called to grow in love and fraternity.
We pray for the Chemin Neuf community in the UK that our prayer and sharing about our mission and houses will be guided by the Holy Spirit and lead us to discern new and fruitful directions for our call to fraternal life and discipleship.
Prayer for Christian unity
Lord Jesus, who prayed that we might all be one,
we pray to you for the unity of Christians,
according to your will,
according to your means.
May your Spirit enable us
to experience the suffering caused by division,
to see our sin
and to hope beyond all hope.
Amen!
(Prayer written by members of the Chemin Neuf Community
inspired by a prayer of Father Paul Couturier)