Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Patron of Ecology and Environment

Background

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, is revered as the patron of Ecology and the Environment. This is in alignment with the prayers of Pope Francis in raising awareness and hope for the future of our planet. Below is the prayer given in Rome on May 24, 2015. If you would like a pdf version with the logo attached click here.

A prayer for our earth

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole 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 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.

Given in Rome at Saint Peter’s Basilica on 24 May, the Solemnity of Pentecost, in the year 2015, the third of my Pontificate.

Franciscus