Prayers of the Faithful 7 September 2025, International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, 23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - SUNDAY

Gospel: Luke 14:25–33

Christ calls us to carry the cross and to live as true disciples on the path to holiness. Today we rejoice as Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati will be canonized—two young witnesses who show us that holiness is possible in everyday life: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or RENEW CREATION, O LORD.

1. That, inspired by the witness of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who loved the Eucharist and used technology to share the Gospel, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, who served the poor and lived the Beatitudes, the Church may proclaim Christ with joy and courage, especially among the young. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That leaders of nations may act with wisdom and courage to restore justice, protect ecosystems, and safeguard the health of people and the planet. On this International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, may we commit ourselves to reducing pollution and ensuring breathable skies. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That, like St Francis of Assisi who praised creation as our brother and sister, we may learn to cherish Brother Air—the breath of life shared by all creatures—and protect it from harm, mindful that clean air is both a gift and a right. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That we may learn to fight graft and corruption by putting Christ above family and self-interest. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That the sick, the suffering, and the bereaved may be consoled by Christ who carries the cross with them and gives them hope of resurrection. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. That our beloved dead, having borne their cross, may now rejoice in the peace of God’s kingdom and be numbered among the saints in glory. Let us pray to the Lord.

Lord God, you call us to calculate the cost of discipleship, to renounce selfishness, and to carry the cross with Christ. Hear our prayers, and strengthen us to live in justice and love, so that peace may flourish—for humanity and for all creation. May the canonization of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati inspire us to love the Eucharist, to serve the poor, and to care for our common home, so that we too may join the company of the saints. We ask this through Christ our Lord. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Creation from Laudato Si’

This prayer by Pope Francis appeared at the end of his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si'. It is for all who believe in God who is the all-powerful Creator.

All powerful God,
you are present in the universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with your peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned
and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty,
not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle,
for justice, love and peace.