20 September 2025, Sts Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions; World Cleanup Day

MEMORIAL Sts Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions; World Cleanup Day - SATURDAY

Gospel: Luke 8:4–15

On this day of the Season of Creation, we honor Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and their Companions, Martyrs—witnesses who sowed the seed of faith with their lives. Today’s Gospel reminds us that the Word of God, like seed, must fall on good soil to bear fruit. The Fathers of the Church taught that creation itself is like God’s garden, entrusted to us for cultivation and not exploitation. Today we also mark World Cleanup Day, a global movement that inspires millions to care for our common home. With trust in God, let us lift our prayers: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or MAKE US GOOD SOIL, O LORD.

1. That the Church may courageously sow the Word of God, even in times of hardship and persecution, and bear fruit in holiness and service. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That government leaders may act boldly to protect coastal areas, reduce pollution, and safeguard marine life, in the spirit of SDG 14: Life Below Water. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That following the example of the Korean martyrs, we may sow seeds of justice, unity, and care for creation, even when sacrifice is required. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That on this World Cleanup Day, communities may be moved to concrete action—restoring polluted lands and waters, reducing waste, and caring for the poor who are most affected. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That the sick, the weary, and those burdened by sorrow may find strength in Christ, whose Word heals and renews. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. That the faithful departed may rejoice in the eternal harvest of heaven. Let us pray to the Lord.

God of life, you scatter the seed of your Word in every generation. Through the intercession of Saints Andrew Kim, Paul Chong, and their Companions, make us good soil—ready to bear fruit in faith, justice, and care for 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.