18 September 2025, St Stanisław Kostka (Poland), International Equal Pay Day, World Water Monitoring Day

MEMORIAL OF ST STANISŁAW KOSTKA (POLAND) - THURSDAY

Gospel: Luke 7:36–50

On this day of the Season of Creation, our brethren in Poland celebrate the feast of their Patron St Stanisław Kostka—a young Jesuit who walked hundreds of miles to follow God’s call—we remember that true love, like the woman in today’s Gospel, gives itself away without counting the cost. St Stanisław wrote in his notes: “I am born for greater things.” May his words inspire us to live for God’s greater glory, caring for one another and for creation. Our response is: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or RENEW US IN YOUR LOVE.

1. That the Church may imitate Christ’s mercy, forgiving as He forgave the sinful woman, and fostering relationships that heal both people and creation. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That government leaders may work for gender equality in the workplace, ensuring equal pay for equal work in the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal 5, so that the dignity of women and men is equally honored. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That, following the example of St Stanisław Kostka, who saw himself “born for greater things,” young people may be moved to dream generously and to defend the integrity of creation, protecting water and life itself in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That those who suffer from poverty, discrimination, or lack of clean water may find advocates in us, and that our small efforts may connect with the larger stream of God’s justice. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That the dead, who sought mercy in this life, may now rest in the embrace of Christ who says, “Your sins are forgiven, go in peace.” Let us pray to the Lord.

On this day, Lord, we give thanks for the example of St Stanisław Kostka, for the call to gender justice, and for the gift of clean water. May our faith, like water turned into good wine, transform the whole of creation through self-giving love. 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.