Season of Creation to take place during special Laudato Si’ Year

By Devin Watkins

The Season of Creation is an annual ecumenical celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home.

It takes place from 1 September – the World Day of Prayer for Creation – to 4 October – the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Christians of all traditions are invited to take part by organizing prayer services, community litter clean-ups, or advocacy actions.

Special invitation

This year’s event takes place within the context of the special Laudato Si’ Anniversary Year, which Pope Francis opened on Sunday, 24 May. The Year coincides with the 5^th anniversary of his encyclical.

The Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development launched a special invitation on Monday urging Catholics to take part in the Season of Creation.

A video was released in partnership with the Global Catholic Climate Movement (top of article).

Heal our broken bonds

Msgr. Bruno-Marie Duffé, the Dicastery’s Secretary, also wrote a letter about the Season.

He said Pope Francis’ 2019 message for the Season of Creation is particularly relevant this year, as the world continues to struggle against the coronavirus pandemic.

“As the world experiences deep uncertainty and suffering in the midst of a global emergency,” said Msgr. Duffé, “we are called to recognize that a truly healthy recovery means seeing that ‘everything is connected’ and repairing the bonds we have broken.”

New paths for integral ecology

The Church’s ecological efforts received a new boost earlier this year with Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation.

Msgr. Duffé said Catholics can begin to plan activities that help lead to “new paths for the Church and for integral ecology,” as the Pope urges in Querida Amazonia.

Communities are encouraged to celebrate a special Mass or a pilgrimage walk.

Church leaders are also invited to raise awareness among the faithful about sustainability practices and advocacy initiatives.

“This special season offers us the chance to work toward the renewal of our Earth and the precious relationships we share,” concluded Msgr. Duffé, “and I warmly invite you to join in its commemoration.”