26 September 2025, Memorial of Sts Cosmas and Damian, International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, World Environmental Health Day, and Sierra Madre Day

25th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - FRIDAY

Memorial of Sts Cosmas and Damian, International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, World Environmental Health Day, and Sierra Madre Day 

Gospel: Luke 9:18–22

On this day of the Season of Creation, as we celebrate the Memorial of Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs, the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, World Environmental Health Day, and Sierra Madre Day in the Philippines, the Gospel reminds us of Christ’s call to take up our cross and follow Him. With faith in God’s saving plan, we lift our prayers, saying: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or HEAL AND PROTECT US, O LORD.

1. That the Church, inspired by the witness of Saints Cosmas and Damian, may be a healing presence in the world, proclaiming Christ who brings life out of suffering. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That government leaders may pursue peace, dialogue, and disarmament. On this International Day for the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, may nations renounce weapons of mass destruction and work toward a world free of fear. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That the observance of World Environmental Health Day may awaken our sense of responsibility for clean air, safe water, and healthy soil, ensuring a livable environment for present and future generations. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That on this Sierra Madre Day, we may protect our nation’s longest mountain range—its forests, rivers, and wildlife—recognizing it as a shield against disaster and a sanctuary of biodiversity. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That the faithful departed, who hoped in God’s mercy, may now find eternal peace in His presence. Let us pray to the Lord.

On this day, Lord, heal our world wounded by conflict, pollution, and neglect. Strengthen us to be instruments of peace, stewards of health, and guardians of creation. 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.