Ecumenism stands for the principle or aim of uniting all Christian Churches. This was, and remains, the intention behind Christ’s prayer during the Last Supper with His apostles’ keen ear: “Heavenly Father, that they all may be One.” He was referring to His believers and their human foibles and obstacles towards unity, between Christian fellows and brothers.

Unity did not, and does not, necessarily mean uniformity. Church and monastic rites and practices could be different in Eastern and in Western churches and in Southern and in Northern churches. From Russia to Serbia and Croatia, from Presbyterian Scotland to Catholic Malta and to the growing Christian churches in the rising African states.

Unity entails the appreciation of the different churches, their virtues and inspiring practices, their prejudices and difficulties in moving towards each another. Only the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, can intervene to achieve this noble aim.

And ecumenism can indirectly, and in principle, contain improved relations with our Judaic and Moslem brothers and cousins. We all belong to the human race, Homo sapiens, or knowledgeable and ‘wise men’.

Here, we can do much to contribute towards this target of unity. Malta now has a cosmopolitan society. Our world is a giant chessboard, featuring diversity in climates, customs, languages, beliefs and cultures. Only a Supreme Being, whom we call our God, can achieve this, through our goodwill and prayers.

So, let us sincerely pray for unity between and among Christians worldwide.