Nellore Cathedral Becomes Beacon of Unity During Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Nellore, Jan 23, 2026: St Joseph’s Cathedral, Nellore, resonated with prayers of hope and harmony as the Diocese of Nellore solemnly observed the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with a vibrant ecumenical prayer service on January 21, drawing Christians from diverse denominations into a powerful expression of shared faith.

Presided over by Bishop Moses D. Prakasam of Nellore, the celebration brought together more than 200 faithful — including priests, pastors, religious, and lay leaders — united in a common commitment to witness Christ together in an increasingly divided world.

The ecumenical gathering stood as a visible sign of communion among Churches, affirming that unity remains central to the Gospel mission. Guiding the prayer service, Coadjutor Bishop Anthony Das Pilli, Chairman of the TCBC Commission for Ecumenism, reminded the faithful that Christian unity is not optional but an essential call flowing from the heart of the Gospel.

“Unity among Christians is not merely symbolic,” he emphasised. “It is a mandate entrusted to us by Christ himself, especially in a world wounded by division and conflict.” Adding richness to the celebration were reflections offered by pastors representing the Salvation Army, Baptist Church, South Andhra Lutheran Church (SALC), and an Independent Church. Their shared insights highlighted that visible unity strengthens Christian witness and empowers Churches to respond more effectively to contemporary social and spiritual challenges.

The prayer service was further honoured by the presence of Fr Thumma Anthoniraj, Secretary of the CBCI Desk for Ecumenism, and Fr Anthaiah Kondaveeti, Secretary of the CCBI and TCBC Commissions for Ecumenism. Both reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s ongoing commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect among Christian communities at regional and national levels.

Rooted in the biblical theme, “One Lord, one Faith, and one Baptism” (Ephesians 4:5), the gathering called participants to deepen mutual understanding, overcome historic divisions, and walk together in the mission entrusted to all followers of Christ.

Fr P. Joseph, Chancellor of the Diocese of Nellore and organiser of the programme, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all Church leaders and faithful for their enthusiastic participation. He noted that the ecumenical celebration stood as a concrete testimony of fraternity and hope, reflecting the Church’s prayer that “all may be one.”