Understanding General Intercessions for Daily Mass

General intercessions, also known as the "Prayer of the Faithful" or "Universal Prayer," are an essential part of the Catholic Mass where the congregation joins together to pray for the needs of the Church and the world. These intercessions are called "general" because they address universal concerns that affect all Catholics and humanity as a whole.

📖 How to Use These General Intercessions

1. Choose Your Option: Browse the available intercession options for today's Mass.
2. Download PDF: Click "Download PDF" to get a formatted copy for your lector or liturgy coordinator.
3. Edit if Needed: Use "Edit" to customize intercessions for your parish's specific needs.
4. Browse Other Dates: Use the calendar to access intercessions for any date throughout the year.

General Intercessions for Daily Mass

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Saint Rita of Cascia, religious

Optional Memorial
Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for Saint Rita of Cascia, religious

Option 1

1.That the Church, inspired by St. Rita's perseverance in difficult situations, may always be a beacon of hope for those facing impossible trials, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may seek peaceful solutions to conflicts and work to reconcile those who are estranged, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who are suffering in difficult marriages, family situations, or seemingly hopeless circumstances, that through St. Rita's intercession, they may find strength, patience, and God's healing grace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may learn from St. Rita to trust in God's power even when faced with great adversity, and to persevere in prayer for our needs and the needs of others, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place of support and prayer for all who are carrying heavy crosses, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For those who have lost loved ones to violence or tragedy.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who persevered in faith through suffering may now rejoice with St. Rita in the peace of God's kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all pastors, that they may be compassionate ministers of reconciliation and hope, like St. Rita, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil society may promote forgiveness and understanding, working to heal divisions and build a culture of peace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are struggling to forgive, or who feel overwhelmed by past hurts, that St. Rita may intercede for their healing, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That our Easter faith may give us the strength to embrace our own share in Christ's passion, trusting in the power of His resurrection, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community that offers comfort to the afflicted and stands in solidarity with all who suffer, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may find forgiveness and eternal peace through the merits of Christ's passion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Optional Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.For the Church and her pastors, that they may hear again Christ's question — 'Do you love me?' — and respond with renewed dedication: 'Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you,' let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.For world leaders, that they may tend those entrusted to their care with justice and true concern for the common good, not for self-interest, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For priests, deacons, and all who are called to pastoral ministry, that they may feed Christ's lambs and tend his sheep with the sacrificial love of the Good Shepherd, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be willing to follow Christ wherever he leads, even when the way is not of our choosing, trusting that he leads us to the Father, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For the faithful departed, especially those who served as shepherds in the Church, that the Lord who commissioned Peter may welcome them into eternal glory, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For those who feel they have failed Christ through sin, that his threefold question of love may heal and restore them.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may be tenderly gathered by the risen Shepherd into the eternal fold, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that like Peter he may hear the voice of Christ asking 'Do you love me?' and in response lead the whole Church with humble courage, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all governments may protect and nurture the people they serve, especially the most vulnerable members of society who need a shepherd's care, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who feel unworthy or have denied Christ in their lives, that the risen Lord who restored Peter may offer them the same mercy and new beginning, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may stretch out our hands in service and sacrifice, following Christ on the path of the cross that leads to the glory of the resurrection, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that our love for Christ may be the fuel of all ministry — catechesis, charity, worship — and not merely duty or custom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that many may respond to Christ's call: 'Follow me.'Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all the faithful departed may follow Christ through death to the joy of the resurrection, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

About Our General Intercessions for Daily Mass

Our general intercessions are carefully written by Giuseppe Njualem, a seminarian at St. Peter's Seminary in London, Ontario. Each set of intercessions follows the guidelines established by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and is crafted with input from theology students and experienced clergy.

📅 Liturgically Accurate

Every intercession is crafted to reflect the specific liturgical season, rank, and saint of the day, ensuring theological accuracy and seasonal appropriateness.

🌍 Universally Focused

Our general intercessions address the four traditional categories: Church needs, world concerns, those in distress, and local community intentions.

📝 Ready to Use

Each option is formatted for immediate use by lectors and can be downloaded as a professional PDF for easy printing and reading during Mass.

✏️ Customizable

Edit any intercession to address your parish's specific needs while maintaining the theological structure and universal focus of general intercessions.