In keeping with Dr. King’s legacy of non-violent, direct action, Loretto stands in solidarity with all fighting for justice to protect our immigrant neighbors
Posted on January 19, 2026, by Loretto Community
The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 is taken from Ephesians 4:4, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.”
These words from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians help us understand that while this letter is addressed to the Church at Ephesus in Asia Minor, it is actually an example of Paul’s attempt to reach a much wider audience, with hymns, prayers and litanies of faith that would be read in all the churches.
His intention emphasizes catholicity as well as the unity of the Church. This universality and unity are offered as gifts from the Holy Spirit to enable mission and evangelization.
These words of St. Paul see the unity of the community of believers as a vocation, a calling by the Holy Spirit. This requires conversion of heart, which is not possible without openness to reconciliation. This unity is linked to one hope and practiced in communal support, by embracing diversity while maintaining communion.
To our sisters and brothers of every Christian faith expression, let us pray together this week, and every week, for unity in our churches. It is a gift to understand that we are all connected, all members of Christ, remembering the words of Pope Francis,”Let us love beyond boundaries.” His words reflect the hope of our calling.
This same spirit of unity guides us as we prepare to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring call to justice. In observance of Martin Luther King Day, which falls this year on Jan. 19, Loretto members once again will participate in MLK Day tributes. In doing so, they, like all who take part, celebrate Dr. King’s legacy while continuing to pursue his dream that all people be judged on who they are as persons and not on the color of their skins. They do so in the hope that even in these difficult times we continue to honor him and our fight for true equality of all people.
“We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from a Birmingham Jail, 1963
In keeping with Dr. King’s legacy of non-violent direct action, Loretto stands in solidarity with all those fighting for justice and protecting our immigrant neighbors in Minnesota and beyond.
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