“Let us build a church founded on God’s love, a sign of unity, a missionary church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made restless by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity.”
These words from the Holy Father resonate deeply with the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. Unity, reconciliation, and healing have been the core of our charism as we work to bring about At-One-Ment between us, God, and all of His creation.
This mission is founded on Christ, who prayed to His Father that we “may all be one” (John 17:21). It was lived out by St. Francis of Assisi, who took time to minister to people who were rejected by society.
Together with Pope Leo XIV, let’s put our trust in God that true unity is possible.
Embracing the Call to At-One-Ment
Many people fear that unity cannot happen. They see the violence, loneliness, and broken relationships around them. Family members are becoming more isolated from each other. Members of different faiths pledge to cooperate for the common good, only to fall back into fruitless polemics.
Our founder, Servant of God Fr. Paul Wattson, SA, reminds us that the true foundation of unity is the Triune God:
“Unity is one of the essential parts (attributes) of the Divine Being. God has been revealed to us not only as one, but also as three in one.…The unity that exists between God the Father and God the Son is a most intimate one, and yet our Lord desires that the same unity might be manifested and set forth in the members of His mystical body.”
TAKE THE LOVE AND UNITY CHALLENGE
These actions offer a practical way to foster unity with God and the people in your life. Here are the monthly challenges:
JULY
Write a handwritten note of appreciation and gratitude to someone who has blessed your life.
AUGUST
Dedicate time to listen to someone who may need support. Offer your time to those who may be struggling or in need of connection.
SEPTEMBER
Seize the opportunity to lead by example! Taking tangible actions can make a real difference: donate, volunteer, mentor, and help care for creation.
OCTOBER
Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis by caring for God’s creation! Gather friends for a park clean-up or take on a zero-waste challenge. Walk or bike to church, conserve water, or host a pet food drive.
NOVEMBER
Share love through nourishment of body and spirit! Invite someone for a meal, donate to a food pantry, or volunteer at a soup kitchen. Together, let’s feed both body and soul this season.
DECEMBER
Embrace the hope of Advent as we await the birth of Christ. Light a candle for peace, show hospitality to someone from a different background, learn about another faith tradition, and choose kindness in your daily conversations.
A PRAYER FOR UNITY
“In a divided and troubled world, the Holy Spirit teaches us to walk together in unity.”
— Pope Leo XIV
Let us commit ourselves to following the call of Jesus, St. Francis of Assisi, Father Paul, and Pope Leo XIV and commit ourselves to unity.
Please join us in saying the Unity Prayer.
Unity Prayer
Inspired by the Mission of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and the Motto of Pope Leo XIV
Lord Jesus Christ, You prayed that all may be one, as You are one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. In You, we find our unity; through You, we are made whole.
Heal the wounds of division, between nations, between neighbors, within our own hearts. Break down the walls that keep us apart, and build among us bridges of mercy, compassion, and peace.
Lord of At-One-Ment, make us instruments of Your reconciling love. Strengthen our Franciscan spirit of humility and joy, that we may welcome all, serve the broken, and bear witness that in the one Christ, we are one.
Gather us, O Shepherd of souls, into one fold where none are lost, where every tear is wiped away, and where Your glory is our everlasting song.
Amen.
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