Every new school year is an important time of the year, full of expectations, plans and sometimes apprehensions. Pupils, students, teachers and families prepare for it with the hope of a year rich in learning and encounters. It's also a time of uncertainty: new challenges, new responsibilities, and sometimes new worries. Placing this period in the Lord's hands means choosing to begin in confidence and peace. Through prayer, we ask God to accompany us in our efforts, to enlighten our intelligence and strengthen our will.

Prayer for the start of the new school and university year

Almighty and tender Lord,

At this time of the new school year, we come to You with our hearts filled with hope and sometimes also with fear. You are the source of all wisdom and light, and it is to You that we wish to entrust this new year.

Benevolve pupils and students, enlighten their intelligence, develop their creativity, strengthen their memory and perseverance. Give them the courage to rise in failure and the humility to welcome successes as gifts of Your love.

Benevolve teachers and educators. Give them patience, kindness and a passion to pass on. May their mission be lived as a true service of forming minds and hearts, to build a more just and fraternal world.

Bénis les familles, qui porte et soutiennent ces enfants et ces jeunes dans leurs études. Give them strength and confidence, to accompany them with tenderness in moments of joy as well as in more difficult times.

Lord, be the light of our paths. Grant that we may cultivate truth, justice and mutual respect in our schools and universities. Inspire solid friendships, fruitful encounters, and make these places of learning spaces of brotherhood and peace.

May this new school year be an opportunity to grow not only in knowledge, but also in faith, hope and love. Lord Jesus, You who are the Master and the Friend, walk beside us throughout this year. Make each of us a joyful witness to Your Gospel, in the simplicity of our studies and our daily lives.

We offer You this new year, with our projects, our efforts and our dreams. May everything be for Your glory and for the service of our brothers and sisters. 

Amen.