The University of Notre Dame will host an ecumenical prayer service to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation at 5 p.m. Nov. 5 (Sunday) in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., will welcome leaders from four Christian denominations who will co-preside at the Common Prayer of Reconciliation & Remembrance. Local Christian clergy are most welcome.
“On this anniversary of the Reformation, it is time for Christians of all denominations to recognize that what we hold in common is far more profound than what divides us,” said Father Jenkins. “We join in prayer for reconciliation of any sinful divisions and for unity in Christ.”
In addition to Father Jenkins, the co-presiders are:
- Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, who will deliver the homily;
- Bishop Denis Madden, auxiliary bishop emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore and past chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs;
- The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana;
- Rev. Dr. Charles Wiley III, coordinator of the Office of Theology and Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
“Not only is the search for Christian unity in accord with Jesus’ prayer ‘that all may be one,’ it is also an imperative for the credibility and witness of the followers of Christ,” said Rev. William M. Lies, C.S.C., vice president for mission engagement and Church affairs at Notre Dame. “Especially since the Second Vatican Council, Notre Dame has sought to contribute to the search for unity through research, teaching and prayer, and our upcoming Common Prayer will continue that tradition.”
The service is open to the public and people of all denominations and faith traditions are welcome to participate. A reception will follow the service in the Main Building rotunda.
A livestream of the service will be hosted on this webpage.
Contact: Amanda Skofstad, assistant director of media relations, 574-631-4313, skofstad@nd.edu