Background.
The universal Church begins a "Season of Creation" on September 1 (the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) and extends through October 4th (Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, a patron saint of ecology). This is a privileged time for all persons of faith to consider spiritual and corporal acts of mercy towards our common home and all those living in it. At first these acts are likely to be "simple daily gestures which break with the logic of violence, exploitation and selfishness (Laudato Si', no. 230)." Through prayer, discernment, and contemplation of God's presence in creation, each person will find the Holy Spirit inviting him or her to make further changes in his or her daily lives to enhance God's creation.
The universal Church begins a "Season of Creation" on September 1 (the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) and extends through October 4th (Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, a patron saint of ecology). This is a privileged time for all persons of faith to consider spiritual and corporal acts of mercy towards our common home and all those living in it. At first these acts are likely to be "simple daily gestures which break with the logic of violence, exploitation and selfishness (Laudato Si', no. 230)." Through prayer, discernment, and contemplation of God's presence in creation, each person will find the Holy Spirit inviting him or her to make further changes in his or her daily lives to enhance God's creation.
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The Holy Father has said, "this is the season for letting our prayer be inspired anew .....to reflect on our life.... for undertaking prophetic actions . . . calling for courageous decisions . . .directing the planet towards life, not death." The Vatican encourages bishops and ecclesial bodies to make statements to raise awareness about the Season of Creation, helping the faithful to realize that "living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience" (Laudato si’ 217). Click this link to see the Pope's September 2020 video entitled Respect for the Planet's Resources. Click this link to read the Pope's message for the WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CARE OF CREATION |
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has identified ways to live out these dimensions of Pope Francis' call, both as individuals and as a community. Click HERE for more from the USCCB.
Bishop Michael Burbidge has an article in the Arlington Catholic Herald where he says "the Season of Creation calls us to renew our commitment to the common good, especially in service to the poor....the church invites each of us to promote the common good through care for creation " Read the Bishop's complete statement by clicking HERE.
Please also visit the diocese’s Season of Creation page for resources and updates. |
Add Global Catholic Climate Movement and Catholic Climate Covenant