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

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Saint Cornelius, pope, and Saint Cyprian, bishop, martyrs

Memorial
Liturgical Color: Red

General Intercessions for Saint Cornelius and Saint Cyprian, martyrs

Option 1

1.That the Church, inspired by the pastoral care and martyrdom of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, may always uphold unity and defend the faith with courage, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may govern with justice and protect religious freedom, ensuring that all can worship God without fear, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all bishops and pastors, that they may be true shepherds like St. Cornelius and St. Cyprian, willing to lay down their lives for their flock, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may cherish the unity of the Church and be willing to suffer for the sake of truth and communion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where faith is lived with conviction and where all are committed to the Church's unity and mission, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For those who have lapsed from the faith, that they may find reconciliation and be welcomed back.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all martyrs who died for the unity and truth of the Church may rejoice with Saints Cornelius and Cyprian in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and the college of bishops, that they may be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to guard the deposit of faith and promote ecclesial communion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil society may be a place where differing beliefs are respected and where all work together for the common good, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are tempted by schism or division within the Church, that they may be guided by the example of these saints to seek unity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be merciful to those who have fallen, and always strive to build up the Body of Christ in love and truth, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community that values both orthodoxy and charity, witnessing to the one true faith in a spirit of unity, 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 be brought into the perfect unity of the saints in God's eternal kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church may always bring Christ's compassion and healing to those who mourn and suffer loss, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That leaders of nations may govern with empathy and work to alleviate the suffering of their people, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who are grieving the death of a loved one, that they may find comfort in the promise of the resurrection and the support of our community, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be instruments of God's comfort and peace to those who are sorrowful, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where the bereaved find solace and where all are reminded of the hope of eternal life, 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 the faithful departed who mourned in this life may now rejoice in the eternal consolation of God's kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may be a true father to the afflicted, offering words of hope and comfort, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all peoples may recognize the value of compassion and mutual support in times of loss and sorrow, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who feel overwhelmed by grief, that they may experience the presence of Christ, who wept for Lazarus, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may not be afraid to enter into the sorrow of others, but offer them our prayerful presence and practical help, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be a community that actively supports those who mourn and witnesses to the hope of the resurrection, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a deeper spirit of empathy and solidarity with all who suffer.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may be raised by Christ to new life and share in His eternal glory, 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.