Almighty Father, Creator of Heaven, Earth, and all that dwells within both realms, we, the faithful lament the loss of our brothers and sisters in Christ from His Church. Thus we pray with open minds, outstretched arms, and sorrowful hearts that our fellow Christians may experience reconciliation with the Holy Church. We pray for the souls of Martin Luther, John Calvin, and all Protestant leaders who denied Your Church. We pray for not only the spirits of our Catholic brethren, but for all Christians who have passed from this world. Lord God, Most Understanding and Merciful, your only Son was condemned to agonizing death at the hands of evil men so that we may be delivered into eternal life. Let not schism and suspicion taint Your servants. Instead, allow us to celebrate Your appointed Mass as one joyful Catholic and Apostolic Church. Amen.
Composed and submitted on Palm Sunday, 1999, a week before the author's confirmation. © Nicholas Gary Phillips.
Further reading
The closing petition asks Christians to set aside suspicion and seek unity in Christ. Pope John Paul II’s Ut Unum Sint develops the Catholic commitment to ecumenism through prayer, conversion of heart, and patient dialogue with other Christians.
Ut Unum Sint: On Commitment to Ecumenism by Pope John Paul II (paperback) on Amazon (paid link)