11 September 2025, ICSD 2025, Newly Canonized St Carlo Acutis

23rd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - THURSDAY

Gospel: Luke 6:27-38

On this day of the Season of Creation, we ask the intercession of St Carlo Acutis—"first millennial saint" and Patron of the Digital World—whose life showed that holiness is possible in our own time. We pray that the witness of God’s love may transform the world: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or MAKE US MERCIFUL, O LORD.

1. That the Church may continue to teach the way of Christ—loving even enemies, forgiving generously, and serving with mercy—so as to be a true light of reconciliation in the world. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That government leaders and lawmakers may promote peace, justice, and respect for human dignity, ensuring that laws protect the most vulnerable in the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal number 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That young people, inspired by St Carlo Acutis, may discover in the Eucharist their true “highway to heaven,” and, strengthened by this sacrament, may live with joy, defend life, care for the poor, and courageously witness to the Gospel. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That the work of the International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD 2025) towards "Creating a unified foundation for Sustainable Development: research, practice and education,” may be inspired by St Carlo, who used his gifts of technology and intellect in service of faith, humanity, and the care of creation. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That victims of online trafficking, abuse, and deception, may be protected, healed, and restored in their dignity. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. That those who have died may share in the everlasting mercy of God and rejoice in the eternal banquet of heaven. Let us pray to the Lord.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers, and through St Carlo Acutis, may we be renewed in our devotion to the Eucharist, our "highway to heaven," and live as faithful stewards of creation and servants of 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.