17 September 2025, Saints Robert Bellarmine and Hildegard of Bingen

FEAST OF STS ROBERT BELLARMINE AND HILDEGARD OF BINGEN - WEDNESDAY

Gospel: Lk 7:31–35

On this day of the Season of Creation, we honor Saint Robert Bellarmine and Saint Hildegard of Bingen, Doctors of the Church who remind us that holiness means living simply, wisely, and in harmony with creation. Hildegard proclaimed that all creation is a “symphony of the Spirit,” while Robert’s humility showed the beauty of a life lived for God and the poor. Today we also mark World Manta Day and World Patient Safety Day, which invite us to safeguard both creation and human dignity. Let us now lift our prayers: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or SPIRIT OF WISDOM, RENEW THE EARTH.

1. That the Church may remain faithful to Christ’s wisdom, proclaiming the Gospel with courage, and inspiring the faithful to live in harmony with all creation. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That world leaders may act with courage to protect clean water, safeguard oceans, and preserve marine life such as the manta rays, in the spirit of SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That the witness of St Robert Bellarmine and St Hildegard may inspire us to resist pride and greed, and instead foster communities that live simply and care for the common good. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That workplaces and healthcare systems may always safeguard the dignity and safety of every worker and patient, in the spirit of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That the sick, the poor, and those burdened with sorrow may find consolation in Christ, who is close to the brokenhearted. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. That the faithful departed may share in the eternal harmony of heaven, where every tear will be wiped away. Let us pray to the Lord.

God of wisdom and love, you raised up Saints Robert and Hildegard as teachers for your Church. Hear our prayers, that guided by their example, we may live simply, care deeply, and walk gently with creation. 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.