15 September 2025, Our Lady of Sorrows, International Colugo Day, International Day of Democracy
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS - MONDAYGospel: Luke 2:33–35
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS - MONDAY
On this feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, we remember Mary, who stood at the Cross with a heart pierced by sorrow yet filled with hope. Pope Francis reminds us that Mary teaches us to live with compassion and to care for creation as a mother cares for her children. Today we also observe International Colugo Day, a call to protect vulnerable forest creatures, and the International Day of Democracy, affirming our responsibility to build just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. With trust, let us raise our prayers: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or MOTHER OF SORROWS, WALK WITH US.
1. That the Church, inspired by Mary at the Cross, may accompany the suffering and proclaim Christ’s love that heals and unites. Let us pray to the Lord.
2. That leaders may strengthen democratic values, protect human dignity, and ensure sustainable and inclusive communities, in the spirit of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Let us pray to the Lord.
3. That, following Mary’s care for all creation, we may safeguard forests and endangered species like the colugo, seeing them as part of God’s family of life. Let us pray to the Lord.
4. That those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit may find consolation in Christ’s compassion and in the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows. Let us pray to the Lord.
5. That the faithful departed may find rest in God’s kingdom, where every tear is wiped away. Let us pray to the Lord.
Merciful Father, in Mary’s sorrow at the Cross we see both love and strength. On this feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, and in this Season of Creation, help us to build sustainable communities where no one is excluded and creation is protected. 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.
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.
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