Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

"United we stand and divided we fall." John Dickinson published these words on July 7, 1768, in his work "The Liberty Song," as the American Colonies recognized the necessity of unity for independence.

Unity has long been a cornerstone of Christian tradition, emphasized by teachings such as those found in Mark 3:23-27. The passage states, "How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand."

The Catholic Church aims to maintain unity through devotion to the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Diocese of Lincoln's Pilgrim Passport program, part of the national Eucharistic Revival initiated by U.S. Bishops, has demonstrated this unity. Saint Patrick parish in Imperial has also experienced these blessings.

Traveling to complete the passport program can be challenging. One participant attended benediction at 11 p.m. Mountain Time despite it being midnight according to her Central Time biological clock. She managed due to her nursing experience with unusual hours and support from her daughter.

Holidays often disrupt commitments due to tight schedules or special activities. On Mother's Day, Saint Patrick parish decided to continue Eucharistic adoration despite potential family plans because it was a pilgrimage passport location.

One visitor completed his second pilgrimage on Mother's Day and shared his inspiration with joy despite other activities drawing attention away from him.

Easter presented challenges for scheduling Masses at Saint Patrick parish. The Spanish Vigil Mass traditionally held at 7 p.m. on Saturdays conflicted with Easter Vigil requirements starting after sundown around 8:30 p.m., leading to adjustments including an Easter Sunday Spanish Mass at 11 a.m.

This change affected the Pilgrimage Passport schedule indicating Eucharistic Adoration would start at noon instead of 10 a.m., causing some inconvenience but met with understanding from participants.

At a priest convocation in Kearney, Father Riccardo highlighted how prayer before the Blessed Sacrament could enlighten hearts. He shared an instance where adoration calmed an individual's urgency over personal matters during a synodal diocesan effort.

Saint Paul’s message to Corinth emphasizes unity within diversity: "As a body is one though it has many parts... so also Christ." Catholics are re-emphasizing this harmony through love for the Eucharist amidst divisive political rhetoric leading up to elections.

Our Lord prayed for unity in John 17:21: "So that they may all be one... that the world may believe that you sent me." This prayer finds its answer before His presence during adoration.

Humanity alone cannot resolve divisions without divine grace—a gift from Our Savior enabling us to stay united against darkness and misinformation promoted by evil forces.

Let us continue fostering fruits from renewed Eucharistic adoration for lasting unity.