4 October 2025, St Francis of Assisi, and World Animal Day

26th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - SAT

Closing of Season of Creation, World Animal Day 

Gospel: Luke 16:19–31

As we celebrate the Memorial of St Francis of Assisi, patron of animals and of creation, and mark World Animal Day, we recall that this is not only about what God created, but what God communicates through creation—His love, wisdom, and call to care. On this final day of the Season of Creation, we raise our prayers with grateful hearts and say:

LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER

or MAKE US INSTRUMENTS OF PEACE

1. That the Church may continue the Franciscan spirit of living simply, joyfully proclaiming God’s love, and teaching that every creature reflects the Creator’s message. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That government leaders may enact strong laws to safeguard animals, protect biodiversity, and care for creation, especially in the face of climate change and ecological destruction. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That, following the example of St Francis, who taught that “all creatures are our brothers and sisters,” we may learn to live with reverence, humility, and joy in God’s family of creation. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That those who suffer—whether through poverty, violence, natural disasters, or the exploitation of creation—may find comfort in the mercy of Christ, who invites all who are weary to find rest in Him. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That the faithful departed, who praised God in their lives, may now share in the eternal harmony of heaven, where all creation sings God’s glory. Let us pray to the Lord.

On this day, Lord of all creation, we thank you for the witness of St Francis, who saw and heard your love in every creature. May this Season of Creation open our ears and hearts to your message spoken through all life, and make us faithful stewards of your gifts. 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.