St. Irenaeus of Lyon was a big defender of the Catholic Church’s teachings in the 2nd century, pointing out to others the error of their ways.
His efforts have given him a reputation of being a bridge-builder, uniting all Christians under the one roof of the Catholic Church. Recently, Pope Francis announced that Irenaeus will be named a Doctor of the Church, with the title “Doctor of Unity.”
Below is a prayer asking the intercession of St. Irenaeus for Christian unity, a unity established through peaceful dialogue.
O God, who called the Bishop Saint Irenaeus
to confirm true doctrine and the peace of the Church,
grant, we pray, through his intercession,
that, being renewed in faith and charity,
we may always be intent on fostering unity and concord.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
And today we celebrate...