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
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Saint Robert Bellarmine, bishop and doctor of the Church / Saint Hildegard of Bingen, virgin and doctor of the Church
○Optional Memorial
Liturgical Color: White
General Intercessions for Saint Robert Bellarmine
Option 1
1.That the Church, guided by the wisdom of St. Robert Bellarmine, may always articulate her teachings with clarity and defend the faith against error, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That heads of government may uphold workers' rights and ensure fair wages for those in low-paid and precarious employment, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For young adults drifting from faith practice, that they may find in the Church a community that answers their questions honestly and draws them deeper in, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may have a deep love for the Church and her teachings, and be ready to give an account of the hope that is in us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where sound doctrine is cherished and where all are encouraged to grow in their understanding of the faith, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For those who are struggling with doubts or confusion about Church teaching.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who faithfully taught and defended the Catholic faith may rejoice with St. Robert Bellarmine in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.That the Church, inspired by St. Hildegard's diverse gifts as mystic, composer, and healer, may recognize and foster the many charisms of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governments may invest in mental health care and ensure those with serious mental illness have access to treatment and community support, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those living with chronic pain or disability, that they may find strength and not face their daily struggle alone, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be attentive to God's voice speaking to us in visions, dreams, and the beauty of creation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where the diverse gifts of all members are celebrated and used for the building up of God's kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For artists, musicians, and those who care for the sick.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who lived with prophetic vision and creative holiness may rejoice with St. Hildegard in the eternal harmony of heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Variations if Optional Memorial is not celebrated
Option 1
1.That the Church may always offer the mercy of Christ to sinners, trusting that forgiveness is the wellspring of great love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governments may reform criminal justice systems to prioritize rehabilitation and give those who have served their sentence a genuine path to reintegration, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who carry the weight of guilt and shame over their past, that they may receive the freedom of Christ's forgiveness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may draw near to Christ with the honesty and humility of those who know they need His mercy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where no sinner feels unwelcome, and where all may experience the transforming power of God's forgiveness, 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 hear Christ's words of peace and enter into His eternal rest, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may be a sign of God's mercy, welcoming sinners as Jesus welcomed the woman who anointed His feet with her tears, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governments may fund accessible drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes for those whose lives have been broken by addiction, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who feel unworthy to approach God, that they may take courage from the sinful woman who knelt at Jesus' feet and received His mercy and peace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may love generously in response to all that God has forgiven and given to us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be a community where those who carry a burden of shame find mercy and a genuine welcome, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a deeper spirit of gratitude and love in response to God's mercy.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may be numbered among those whose sins are forgiven and whose love was great, 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.