22 September 2025, World Car-Free Day, World Rhino Day and National Family Day
25th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - MONDAYWorld Car-Free Day and World Rhino Day Gospel: Luke 8:16–18
25th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - MONDAY
World Car-Free Day and World Rhino Day
On this day of the Season of Creation, as we celebrate World Car-Free Day, World Rhino Day, and National Family Day in the Philippines, we ask for the grace to let our witness shine brightly—caring for clean air, protecting endangered species, and nurturing families as faithful stewards of God’s gifts. Our response is: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE THROUGH US, O LORD.
1. That the Church may be a clear lampstand of God’s love, teaching that creation and the family are sacred gifts to be safeguarded and never exploited. Let us pray to the Lord.
2. That government leaders may enact bold policies for clean air and sustainable transport. On this World Car-Free Day, may they promote walking, cycling, and public transport for the health of people, families, and the planet. Let us pray to the Lord.
3. That efforts to protect rhinos, keystone species of their ecosystems, may succeed. May we recognize, as Pope Francis reminds us, that caring for even the most threatened creatures is part of caring for the whole human family. Let us pray to the Lord.
4. That families in the Philippines and everywhere may be strengthened in love, unity, and respect, becoming true schools of faith and guardians of creation. Let us pray to the Lord.
5. That our faithful departed, who sought God’s light in their lives, may now rejoice in the eternal brightness of Christ’s face. Let us pray to the Lord.
God of light and life, you call us to place the lamp of our faith on a stand, not under a vessel. On this Car-Free Day, Rhino Day, and Family Day, make us fearless in protecting the air we breathe, the creatures we share the earth with, and the families that reflect your 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.
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.
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