19 September 2025, St Januarius, Park(ing) Day

MEMORIAL OF ST JANUARIUS - FRIDAY

Gospel: Luke 8:1–3

On this day of the Season of Creation, we commemorate the martyrdom of St Januarius, bishop and witness of the faith. The Gospel reminds us that Jesus went through towns and villages bringing the Good News, accompanied by women who shared their resources. St Basil the Great once wrote: “The world has been created for all, not just for the rich.” May this inspire us to share our spaces, resources, and lives in ways that honor God’s creation. Our response is: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or RENEW YOUR CREATION IN US.

1. That the Church, like the women who supported Jesus, may use her resources to build communities of justice, beauty, and care for creation. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That government leaders may ensure the responsible use of land and urban spaces, promoting sustainable development in the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal 9, so that public spaces may be safe, green, and accessible to all. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That, following the example of St Januarius, who gave his life for Christ, Christians today may have the courage to resist greed and to stand for the common good, especially in how we share the earth’s resources. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That initiatives like Park(ing) Day may awaken in us a new imagination for cities—where streets are not just for cars, but for gardens, art, play, and community—and that such “micro-acts of civil joy” may teach us to care for creation. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That those who suffer from overcrowded cities, loss of green space, or lack of shelter may find dignity and hope in communities that welcome them. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. That the dead may be gathered into the eternal banquet where God makes all things new. Let us pray to the Lord.

On this day, Lord, as we honor St Januarius, we ask you to free us from selfishness and renew in us a spirit of sharing. May we care for one another and for creation, building communities where life, justice, and joy flourish. 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.