“This is the time to re-acquaint ourselves with praying immersed in nature, where our gratitude to the creator God arises spontaneously.”

-Pope Francis

 

SEASON OF CREATION

The Season of Creation is a month-long prayerful observance that calls the planet’s 2.2 billion Christians to pray and care for God’s creation. It’s a time to reflect on our relationship with the environment — not just “distant” nature, but, crucially, the place where we live — and how our lifestyles and decisions as a society can endanger the natural world and those inhabiting it, both humans and other creatures. The Season of Creation spans 34 days. It begins Sept. 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. It concludes on Oct. 4 with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology. This year’s theme is “Let Justice and Peace Flow,” taking inspiration from the prophet Amos, who declares: “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24). We are invited to join the flowing stream of justice and peace, to embrace the cause of climate and ecological justice, and to raise our voices with and for those who suffer the most from climate injustice and biodiversity loss.

 

Irish bishops produced a series of podcasts covering the theology of creation, climate change science, and what they can do as parishes:
https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2019/07/17/season-of-creation-2019/

 

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops created an insert with information and prayers for the season:
https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/environment/upload/WDPCC-Bulletin-Insert.pdf