The season’s “Celebration” begins on September 1, the Feast of Creation, and ends on October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology beloved by many Christian denominations. The theme for 2024 is “To hope and act with Creation” with the symbol “The firstfruits of hope”, inspired by Romans 8:19-25.
Ecumenical faith leaders from across the world have prepared a special invitation for us to take part in this season which you can watch here.
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 1st September 2024. The theme is drawn from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans (8:19-25), where the Apostle explains what it means for us to live according to the Spirit and focuses on the sure hope of salvation that is born of faith, namely, newness of life in Christ.
During this season we are encouraged to pray and engage in community events in order to deepen our relationship with our God, our neighbour and the earth we share.
Father of all creation, we praise you with all your creatures and the whole universe that comes forth from the work of Your hands. We acknowledge the privilege and responsibility that You give us as stewards of Your creation. In our ignorance we have done damage to our common home and our brothers and sisters are suffering.
Through faithfully following your Son guide and direct us to prepare for a better future. Teach us to contemplate You in the beauty of the universe, for all things speak of You. Give us the grace to recognise, respect and protect all You have created, using wisely all that you have entrusted to us,
Holy Spirit, who first hovered over the dawn of creation and drew order out of the chaos help us to build your kingdom of justice, love, peace and beauty where the poor of the earth are crying out. You, who live and reign, world without end, Amen.
Pioneering Parishes: How Local Church Communities Can Become Guardians of Creation
Wednesday, 4 September 2024, 7-8pm Online only
Drawing inspiration from the collaborative Guardians of Creation project, and to promote the theme of this year’s Season of Creation, ‘To Hope and Act with Creation’, this online event will showcase how dynamic parishes can offer an inspirational model for others to enable them to take meaningful action for the environment. A panel of experts and parish innovators will discuss how to promote greener practices within our local communities in a variety of settings. They will share their experiences and offer best practice and success stories with the goal of inspiring parishes to reduce their environmental footprint and enhance biodiversity.
Organised in collaboration with CAFOD and St Mary’s University.