29 September 2025, Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels, and International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

26th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - MON

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels, and International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 

Gospel: John 1:47–51

On this day of the Season of Creation, as we celebrate the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels, and observe the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, we remember Pope Francis’ clarion call to go against the “throwaway culture.” With hearts open to God’s word, we pray: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or MAKE US FAITHFUL STEWARDS, O LORD.

1. That the Church, strengthened by St Michael the Archangel, may defend the truth and the integrity of creation against all forms of exploitation and greed. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That government leaders may address the scandal of seventy-four kilograms of food wasted per person each year, and that all may embrace the virtue of responsible consumption and production. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That, inspired by St Gabriel the Archangel, we may become faithful messengers of the Gospel, announcing the beauty of creation and urging others to live simply and responsibly. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That those who suffer from hunger and malnutrition—25,000 people daily, including 10,000 children—may be healed and comforted through our solidarity, guided by St Raphael the Archangel, bearer of God’s healing.  Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That the faithful departed, who listened to God’s word and received the Bread of Life, may now rejoice at the heavenly banquet with the angels and saints.  Let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, help us reject the throwaway culture. Through the intercession of the Archangels, may we defend life, proclaim Your word, and heal creation’s wounds. 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.