Mangaluru:The concluding ceremony of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was held on Sunday, January 26, 2026, at St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary. The programme was jointly organised by St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary and Karnataka Theological College, in collaboration with the Mangalore Christian Council.

The ecumenical prayer service brought together Christians from various denominations in a spirit of unity, prayer, and fellowship. The theme for the programme was “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.”

The service began with the opening hymn “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name,” led by the students of St Joseph’s Seminary. This was followed by a reflective greeting highlighting Christian unity as a gift of the Holy Spirit rather than a human achievement. Rev. Fr Rajesh Melvin Rosario, Rector of St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, extended a warm welcome to the gathering and emphasised the importance of prayer, dialogue, and cooperation among Christian communities.

The Liturgy of the Word featured readings from Proverbs 9:10–12, Psalm 119:97–104, Ephesians 4:1–13, and the Gospel according to John 17:3–7. These readings underscored the call to wisdom, love for God’s Word, and Jesus’ prayer for unity among His followers. The homily was delivered by Rev. Dr H. M. Watson, who reflected on Christian unity as a visible witness to the world, rooted in truth, humility, and love.

The congregation then professed the Nicene Creed and participated in the Prayers of the Faithful, offering intercessions for the Universal Church, unity among Christians, peace in the world, and those who are suffering and persecuted. A solemn litany and the sharing of peace further strengthened the spirit of reconciliation and fraternity among the participants.

The service concluded with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, followed by a message from Rev. Dr Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese. A seminarian from St Joseph’s Seminary proposed the vote of thanks. The final hymn, “We Are One in the Spirit,” was sung by the UFS Sisters.

The programme served as a meaningful reminder of the Christian call to unity and bore witness to the shared faith and hope that bind believers together in Christ.