The question of “unity,” so present in our political discourse of late, was echoed in our religious calendar this past week. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity finished this past Monday on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul (January 25), prayers joined over the week in the monastic community, particularly at midday. Abbot Matthew Stark, in his homily on that feast, noted Anglican bishop N.T. Wright’s admonition that the disunity in the church would likely be Saint Paul’s greatest concern, were he to address us in our times. The “Chair of Unity Octave Prayers 1/18-1/25,” pasted inside the front cover of the monastery’s Grail Psalters, include the Antiphon: “That they all may be one as Thou Father in Me and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” (John 17:21) Abbot Matthew cited that verse, exhorting all to continue in prayers for unity. Pope Francis also addressed this concern in his message on that day, saying, “we can grow and bear fruit only if we remain united to Jesus” (Vatican News). Abbot Matthew also emphasized the essential place of the church of Rome in the attainment of this goal. The Octave Prayers also include the dialogue: “V. I say unto thee that Thou art Peter; R. And upon this Rock I will build My Church.” They conclude: “O Lord Jesus Christ, who said unto your apostles: Peace I leave with you; My Peace I give unto you; regard not our sins, but the faith of your church, and grant unto her that peace and unity which are agreeable to your Will. Who lives and reigns, God forever and ever. Amen.” We encourage all to take up Abbot Matthew’s call to continue this prayer for the unity of the faithful.