Friday, September 11: The Season of Creation
Each year, from September 1 through October 4, Christians around the world join in an ecumenical celebration of prayer and action for our common home, the Season of Creation. As our communities face global pandemic, devastating storms, withering heat waves and record-breaking wildfires, we recognize anew the reality that our lives are intimately connected to the earth we call home. This Season of Creation, join with sisters and brothers across the globe in committing to repent, repair, and rejoice together.
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A Jubilee for the Earth
I am very pleased that the theme chosen by the ecumenical family for the celebration of the 2020 Season of Creation is Jubilee for the Earth. . . .
A Jubilee . . . is a time of remembrance, in which we cherish the memory of our inter-relational existence. We need constantly to remember that “everything is interconnected, and that genuine care for our own lives and our relationships with nature is inseparable from fraternity, justice and faithfulness to others” (Laudato Si', 70). . . .
Today we hear the voice of creation admonishing us to return to our rightful place in the natural created order – to remember that we are part of this interconnected web of life, not its masters. The disintegration of biodiversity, spiralling climate disasters, and unjust impact of the current pandemic on the poor and vulnerable: all these are a wakeup call in the face of our rampant greed and consumption.
Particularly during this Season of Creation, may we be attentive to the rhythms of this created world. For the world was made to communicate the glory of God, to help us to discover in its beauty the Lord of all.
- Pope Francis, Message on the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation (September 1, 2020)
Observe the Season of Creation
- Join the Ignatian Solidarity Network's Season of Creation Challenge
In a time of quarantine, digital learning, racial injustice, intensifying storms, and mass migration, holding space to act on climate change can feel overwhelming. This Season of Creation, start simple with one new daily habit for a healthy planet.
- "Reconciling God, Creation, and Humanity: An Ignatian Examen"
This Ecological Examen asks you to reflect on your personal relationship with creation, to acknowledge and amend your ways and to promote ecological justice by standing in solidarity with those most impacted by environmental harm.
- Earth Sessions by Pray as You Go
Weekly meditations to encounter creation with God, to reflect on your own experiences of creation, and to discern the ways you are moved into action, to help take care of our common home.
- Explore more Season of Creation resources
Webinars, digital retreats, prayer and liturgy resources, and more ideas and materials from the Season of Creation network of partners.
