10 September 2025, ICSD 2025, Newly Canonized St Pier Giorgio Frassati (“the man of the eight beatitudes”)

23rd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - WEDNESDAY

Gospel: Luke 6:20-26

Jesus proclaims blessed the poor, the hungry, and those who weep, calling us to live the Beatitudes with courage. On this day of the Season of Creation, let us bring our prayers before the Lord who makes all things new: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or JESUS, TEACH US TO LIVE THE BEATITUDES.

1. That the Church, strengthened by the Beatitudes, may proclaim the dignity of the poor, the hungry, and the sorrowful, and form communities where no one is excluded. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That leaders of nations may be guided by wisdom and compassion, choosing policies that uphold both  human rights and rights of nature. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That, inspired by the newly canonized St Pier Giorgio Frassati, young people may discover the joy of faith and the zeal to respond to the cries of the poor and the earth. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That the work of the International Conference on Sustainable Development, to be held in Rome today, advance the goals of SDG 4: Toward Quality and Ecological Education. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That the sick, the sorrowful, and the afflicted may find comfort in Christ who calls them blessed, and that they may be strengthened by the prayers and care of the community. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. That those who have died may share in the eternal joy of Christ, who welcomes the poor and humble into the Kingdom of God. Let us pray to the Lord.

St Pier Giorgio Frassati, "Man of the Eight Beatitudes," was a keen mountaineer who once wrote on his door, “Mountains, mountains, mountains, I love you!” May young people, inspired by his witness, discover the zeal to care for the poor and for creation. Teach us to see in the beauty of nature a call to climb ever higher in holiness and service. 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.