The Season of Creation is well underway around the world as the global Christian family heeds Pope Francis’ call to unite.
On Sunday, at the 52nd Eucharistic International Congress, His Holiness repeated his desire for all Christians to come together during the ecumenical Season of Creation, the annual celebration of prayer and action for our common home that runs until 4 October.
“I thank the great Hungarian Christian family, which I would like to embrace in its rites, its history, its brothers and sisters, both Catholic and those of other confessions: all journeying towards full unity,” Pope Francis said.
Last week, the congress celebrated its first Creation Day to celebrate the Season of Creation. The day witnessed the entire Catholic family coming together in prayer for God’s creation.
Bishop János Székely, President of the Caritas in Veritate Commission of the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, wrote the Creation Day prayer that you can download and share here.
The moving prayer connects so much of what inspires all Catholics: Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, the theme of bread in the Eucharist, and Saint John Paul II’s inspiring remarks about sharing “the table of Creation.”
Also on Creation Day, Magda Noszczyk of the Laudato Si’ Movement challenged all Catholics to reflect upon how the climate crisis is affecting the most vulnerable and creating a “world without bread.” Read and share her moving reflection here.
Season of Creation around the world:
- In a historic statement ahead of the United Nations’ 26th Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Pope Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew called on all Christians to address the “unprecedented threat of climate change and environmental degradation.” Read more.
- In Malaysia, a Holy Mass was celebrated to launch the ecumenical celebration and year two of a powerful campaign, “Protect Our Earth, Protect Our Children,” led by the Bishops Conference of Malaysia. Watch Now.
- In South Africa, the Rev. Dr. Rachel Mash inspired the faithful to use the Season of Creation as a time to “awaken faith communities” around the world. Read more.
- In Italy, pilgrims retraced the steps of St. Francis of Assisi. Read more.
- In the Philippines, the local Laudato Si’ Movement chapter showed exactly how to create a tent and welcome all during this ecumenical celebration as Christians focus on this year’s theme, “A home for all? Renewing the Oikos of God.” Watch and read more.
- In Marseille, Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, signed the “Healthy Planet, Healthy People” petition, which urges world leaders at COP26 to take strong measures that protect our common home. Watch and read more.
- In “The Pope Video” for September, Pope Francis encourages all people to change their lifestyles. Watch more.
- At the International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress in Marseille, Vatican and Catholic leaders urged action against EACOP. Watch and read more.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Harvard University commits to divest from fossil fuels
After nearly a decade of pressure from student activists, alumni, and faculty, Harvard, the world’s wealthiest university, announced that it has nearly entirely divested its $42 billion endowment from fossil fuels and will bar any future investments in coal, oil, and gas.
On Wednesday, Laudato Si’ Movement Executive Director Tomás Insua will participate in a conversation about the historic news.
11:00 New York / 17:00 Rome / 18:00 Nairobi
Wednesday 15 September
Community events across the world
Hundreds of events taking place in communities around the world, truly giving the ecumenical season meaning. See all of the Season of Creation events here.
The Season of Creation started 1 September, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and continues through 4 October, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Free resources and ways to take part in the global and ecumenical celebration are available at seasonofcreation.org
