16 September 2025, Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, World Peas Day, World Ozone Day

MEMORIAL OF SAINTS CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN - TUESDAY

Gospel: Luke 7:11–17

On this memorial of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, friends in life and in martyrdom, we remember their courage in defending the unity of the Church and their compassion for sinners. The saints teach us how love for Christ cannot be separated from love for creation and the poor, for they show us how faith bears fruit in solidarity. We also mark World Peas Day, a celebration of food that nourishes both people and the soil, and World Ozone Day, reminding us of our duty to protect the fragile atmosphere that sustains life. Let us bring to God our prayers: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or LORD OF LIFE, RENEW YOUR CREATION.

1. That the Church, like Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, may remain steadfast in faith and unity, proclaiming Christ’s power to bring life out of death. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That government leaders may enact policies that protect the atmosphere and strengthen efforts against climate change, especially in the spirit of SDG 13: Climate Action. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That on this World Peas Day, communities may value simple and nutritious foods, support sustainable agriculture, and ensure that no one goes hungry, in the spirit of SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That, following the witness of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, Christians may defend the vulnerable, console the sorrowful, and bring hope to those who suffer injustice or exclusion. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That the sick and sorrowful, like the widow of Nain, may encounter Christ who brings healing, and that the dead may share in the joy of eternal life. Let us pray to the Lord.

God of mercy and Creator of all, you raised the widow’s son at Nain and gave hope to the sorrowful. In this Season of Creation, hear our prayers: renew the Church, protect the ozone and the earth, and nourish all peoples with both food and hope. 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.