1 October 2025, St Thérèse of Lisieux, the International Day of Older Persons, and the opening of National Indigenous Peoples Month

26th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

St Thérèse of Lisieux, the International Day of Older Persons, and the opening of National Indigenous Peoples Month 

Gospel: Luke 9:57-62/Matthew 18:1-4

On this day of the Season of Creation, as we celebrate the Memorial of St Thérèse of Lisieux, the International Day of Older Persons, and the opening of National Indigenous Peoples Month in the Philippines, we recall the “Little Flower” who taught us that holiness is found in simple acts of love and trust in God’s mercy. With that same spirit, we bring our prayers before the Lord: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or GUIDE US IN YOUR LOVE, O LORD.

1. That our Church leaders, inspired by St Thérèse, the Little Flower, may grow in holiness through small daily acts of simplicity, and so draw many to follow Jesus. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That government leaders, on this International Day of Older Persons, may enact just policies that protect the dignity of the elderly, recognizing their wisdom as a source of strength for society. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That during this Indigenous Peoples Month, we may learn from St Thérèse—patron of missionaries—how to treasure indigenous wisdom to live in harmony with nature. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That those who suffer loneliness, exclusion, or the burdens of old age may be strengthened by our care and by the assurance of God’s tender love. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That the dead, especially our departed elders, may now join the heavenly banquet with Christ, rejoicing with the saints in eternal peace. Let us pray to the Lord.

On this day, Lord, teach us through St Thérèse’s little way to walk humbly, to love greatly, and to honor both the wisdom of the elderly and the traditions of Indigenous peoples. May our lives reflect childlike trust. 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.