San Antonio

Each January, the world over, Christians of all denominations gather to celebrate together the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  This year's theme is: "We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (cf.1 Corinthians 12:51-58)

Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, president of The Oblate School of Theology, presided over the evening hosted by the school with the contribution of the Focolare Movement.  More than 80 Christians from the San Antonio area gathered January 19th, in the Immaculate Conception Chapel on the beautiful Oblate grounds to reflect, pray, and celebrate God's immense love in Jesus Christ.     

Dr. Carey Latimore, professor from Trinity University and Associate Minister of Mt. Zion First Baptist Church in San Antonio, read one of the scripture passages. 

 In his homily, Dr. Scott Woodard, vice president and  academic dean of the school, used the texts of Habakkuk 3:17-19, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 and John 12:23-26 to illustrate his point that Christians must be changed, as Jesus himself was changed, through death and resurrection.

A Polish Christmas custom of sharing with one’s neighbor the oplatek, a fragile rectangular wafer carrying the image of the Nativity, drew each to share a fragment and a greeting with his brothers and sisters in Christ, a symbol of the spiritual communion for which all had prayed.

A reception followed the ceremony and all were able to greet one another in an atmosphere of family.