The initiative for an Octave for Christian Unity was born in 1908 at the hands of Father Paul Wattson in the United States, but gained great momentum in the 1930s thanks to the French abbot, Paul Couturier.
The aim was to initiate a new stage of relations between Christians of different denominations, to leave behind the antagonisms of the past and to take steps towards the unity of the Church.
This is why this octave was instituted – it is a series of days especially dedicated to the promotion of ecumenical events in the dioceses. It usually begins on January 18, the ancient feast of the Chair of St. Peter, and ends on the 25th, with the Conversion of St. Paul. In Rome, the Pope traditionally presides over the prayer of Vespers in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
It was precisely on that day that Pope John XXIII surprised the world with the announcement of the Second Vatican Council. This year it coincides with the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council in history.
BAM
TR: GS
