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1- World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 

In light of his encyclical Laudato Si, Pope Francis recently instituted the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation to unite the world in caring for all forms of creation endowed by The Creator. In his letter announcing the day he says, "As Christians we wish to offer our contribution towards overcoming the ecological crisis which humanity is living through.  Therefore, first of all we must draw from our rich spiritual heritage the reasons which feed our passion for the care of creation, always remembering that for believers in Jesus Christ, the Word of God who became man for us, 'the life of the spirit is not dissociated from the body or from nature or from worldly realities, but lived in and with them, in communion with all that surrounds us.' (ibid., 216)." Read the full letter and find prayers, hymns, and liturgy on the Prayers to Care for Creation page.

3 – Anniversary of Beatification of Blessed Laura Vicuna

woman with work sign labor day statment 2014

One of the patrons of WYD Rio (2013). See St. John Paul II's homily at her beatification.

5 – Feast of St.Teresa of Calcutta

One of the patrons of WYD Sydney (2008); patron of the poor. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI called her an exemplary model of Christian virtue.

7 – Labor Day

Read the USCCB’s Labor Day Statements on our website, and learn about the dignity of working men and women. Pray for those without jobs, and pray for your own work and vocation in life.

8 – Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary scdc-stella-maris-small

Celebrated as the birthday feast of Our Lady. Read Pope Pius XII's encyclical in regards to the Marian Year to commemorate the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.

9 – Feast of Blessed Maria de la Cabeza

One of the patrons of WYD Madrid (2011)

10-19 – Anniversary of St. John Paul II’s 1987 Visit to the United States of America

St. John Paul II visited Miami, Columbia SC, New Orleans, San Antonio, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Monterey CA, San Francisco, and Detroit for this ten-day visit to the United States of America in 1987. Read St. John Paul II's homily given at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on September 18, 1987.

11 – Remembrance Day

We remember and pray for the victims of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, their families, and the conversion of heart of those who committed the attacks. Pray also for peace in our time. The USCCB compiled reflections from various community members on the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Clergy and parishioners assist one anotheras a large cross is transferred from one person to another during the Stations of the Cross in Reparation for Abortion, an annual Good Friday procession in Rochester, N.Y. CNS photo/Mike Crupi, Catholic Courier

14 – Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross

Pray for those who have carried and been inspired by the World Youth Day cross since 1984, which continues to travel from Rome through each World Youth Day host country in preparation for the international pilgrimage. One of the original World Youth Day crosses can be found at Centro San Lorenzo (the International Youth Center) at the Vatican in Rome.

20 – Feast of St. Andrew Kim 

First Korean-born Catholic priest and young adult martyr (died at the age of 25 in Seoul). Read More

20 – Catechetical Sunday

Day of prayer for catechists and teachers of the faith. Pray for those who taught you. Read More about the details and resources for this celebration

21 – United Nations International Day of Peace

Pray for lasting peace and global solidarity. Learn more or join an event at their website

22-27 – Anniversary of Pope Francis's 2015 USA Visit

Pope Francis visited New York City, Washington, and Philadelphia. During this visit the Holy Father celebrated the canonization of St. Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, marking the first time a saint has been canonized on U.S. soil.

30 – Anniversary of St. Therese of Lisieux’s death

St. Therese, one of the patrons of WYDUSA pilgrims, died on this day in 1897 at age 24. Learn more about the Little Flower in the news release.