"For a long time I have held my peace, I have kept myself still and restrained myself; now I will cry out like a woman in labor, I will gasp and pant" (Is 42:14)

24 September 2025, World Gorilla Day and the 80th United Nations General Assembly


25th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - WEDNESDAY
World Gorilla Day and the 80th United Nations General Assembly 
Gospel: Luke 9:1–6

On this day of the Season of Creation, as we mark World Gorilla Day and the 80th United Nations General Assembly, the Gospel reminds us of Jesus sending out his disciples to bring healing and peace: “Take nothing for the journey … and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” With trust in God’s providence, let us bring our prayers before Him: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or MAKE US MESSENGERS OF YOUR PEACE, O LORD.

1. That the Church may faithfully proclaim the Kingdom of God, bringing healing, reconciliation, and care for creation wherever her members are sent. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That government leaders and those gathered at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, may renew their commitment to multilateralism and shared responsibility for peace, development, and human rights. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That efforts to protect the endangered mountain gorillas—now reduced to barely 1,000 individuals—may succeed. May we recognize their role as “forest gardeners” and remember that to save them is to safeguard the whole web of life. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That those who suffer from conflict, displacement, or ecological destruction may find hope in Christ’s healing and strength in global solidarity. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That our beloved dead, who sought God’s peace on earth, may now share in the eternal peace of His Kingdom. Let us pray to the Lord.

God of all creation, you send us forth like the first disciples to heal, to reconcile, and to proclaim your Kingdom. During this Season of Creation, teach us to live simply like Jesus, and work together for peace with creation and with one another. 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.


Comments