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A prayer based on Pope Francis' words in his encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti.
These prayers by Pope Francis, CBCEW and CARJ remind us of our Christian calling to do all that we can to stand with and support those who are discriminated against because of their race throughout the world.
This year Racial Justice Sunday is on 1 February and the theme for this year is: “Whoever loves God must also love his brother” (1 John 4:21): Promoting Racial Justice in our Parishes.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales have provided bidding prayers, suggesting one or more of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs, and a suggested concluding prayer
Bidding Prayers
For those who suffer racial abuse or injustice, that the love of God may enfold and support them
For tolerance and respect in and for our local communities, that we may have an openness to neighbours and strangers.
For the broadening of our horizons, that we grow in curiosity and compassion towards the world around us.
Suggested Concluding Prayer
O God, who shows a father’s care for all, grant, in your mercy, that the members of the human race, to whom you have given a single origin, may form in peace a single family and always be united by a fraternal spirit.
Through Christ our Lord.
Roman Missal, Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice
Further resources are also available on the Catholic Bishops' Conference website.
Further prayers
Father, you created each one of us in your own image.
Yet yours is a world made glorious by its rich diversity. This we sometimes misunderstand, sometimes fear.
Give us the patience to build on what unites us, to celebrate our differences and to learn from them.
Grant us the wisdom to recognise your Church, beyond the walls of a building, reaching out across all communities, countries and cultures.
Give us the courage to offer refuge to those in need, to challenge prejudice and seek justice for all.
Help us see that you created us in your image.
Neighbour or stranger, always our brother or sister.
Amen.
Prayer by Yashoda Sutcliffe/CARJ (Catholic Association for Racial Justice)
Lord Jesus Christ,
in your ministry
you were approached by people
of many different nations and cultures.
You listened to their cry for help,
treated them with love and compassion,
and brought them healing and wholeness.
In our own time may we provide
to all those who are suffer
the help that they need
and the care that they require.
May we respond to the invitation of the Holy Spirit
to dream of a world made new
where the poor are not forgotten
but are given the opportunity
to live and flourish
with good health and equal prospects.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.
Prayer from Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales for Racial Justice Sunday 2021
God of our past, present and future,
you created each one of us in your image and likeness,
help us to recognise you in each person.
As we pray for end to suffering caused by racism
lead us this day to walk with one another,
pray with one another and work together,
so that we create a future based on justice and healing,
where all can fulfil the hope you have for all peoples.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Prayer from Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales for Racial Justice Sunday 2023
God of light and truth,
you call all men and women to live lives of holiness and justice.
Help us to see in one another: a heart which is tender, a mind which is humble
and a care for our brothers and sisters;
so that together we may build up the Body of Christ as a sign of hope and mercy for all.
We make this prayer through Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer from Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales for Racial Justice Sunday 2024
Heavenly Father, thank you for leading us, may we never falter on this journey we have undertaken. Instead we offer you the difficulties and the challenges encountered on this road, knowing that each pilgrim step, taken in faith, and in love for you and our brothers and sisters will bring us closer to that end which is your desire for us – justice for all your people.
Let the words of the Prophet ‘Let us go up to the mountain of the Lord that he may teach us his ways, that we may walk in his paths’ guide our thinking and decisions. Remind us again, Lord, that to achieve racial justice we must remind ourselves that all are equal, all are gift, all are brothers and sisters. Amen.
Prayer from Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales for Racial Justice Sunday 2025