Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, June 29, 2025
As we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul who lived preaching the Gospel with courage, conviction, and joy, we turn to the Father asking for the grace to follow in their footsteps.
- That Pope Leo, the successor of St. Peter, may lead the Church with strength, wisdom, and holiness that reveals God’s love for all people and draws them to a life of faith. We pray to the Lord.
- That the seeds of peace planted in the Middle East may take root and flourish through mutual respect, care for the injured and displaced, humble sacrifice, and hope. We pray to the Lord.
- That civil leaders who lay hands on members of the Church to harm them will instead institute policies that promote religious freedom and enable those who live under their rule to exercise the basic human right to worship without persecution. We pray to the Lord.
- That the “international community will not turn its gaze away from [those enduring persecution in Nicaragua, Syria, and other repressive countries but will offer] support through acts of solidarity and a renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation.”[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That our faith may be strong and insightful so that we may be able to declare with Peter about Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” We pray to the Lord.
- That in celebrating our nation’s independence this week, we may be grateful for and cherish the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution, not taking them for granted or being apathetic when they are violated. We pray to the Lord.
- That our faith, the faith of Peter and Paul that has been transmitted to us by so many through the centuries, will not exist in us as a museum piece but will be a living reality that we will transmit to those who will come after us. We pray to the Lord.
- That relief workers enduring difficult conditions caring for those who are starving, those who have lost their homes, or those who are in need of medical care due to violence or natural disasters may have access to the resources they need and be kept safe in their efforts. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who are ill or weak and are nearing death may be able to call out with Paul that they have competed well, finished the race, and kept the faith as they took forward to the crown of righteousness that awaits them. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who have died in attacks on Churches, experiencing the same fate as Saints Peter and Paul while expressing their faith in Jesus, will be welcomed by the martyrs and saints into the eternal peace of heaven. We pray to the Lord.
God our Father, anchored on the foundation of the Rock that was Peter and enlightened by the preaching and guidance of Paul, may we who form the Church in this day be strong in faith and welcoming to all who seek you. We make these prayers through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord. Amen.
[1] From remarks made at Pope Leo’s General Audience, June 25, 2025.
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