Pray with Pope Francis Tomorrow

Earlier this year, Pope Francis announced that he was establishing a World of Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to be celebrated on September 1 every year beginning tomorrow. In making the announcement, the Pope wrote: 

As Christians we wish to offer our contribution towards overcoming the ecological crisis which humanity is living through.  Therefore, first of all we must draw from our rich spiritual heritage the reasons which feed our passion for the care of creation, always remembering that for believers in Jesus Christ, the Word of God who became man for us, “the life of the spirit is not dissociated from the body or from nature or from worldly realities, but lived in and with them, in communion with all that surrounds us.” ([cfr Encylical Letter. Laudato Si,]  216).  The ecological crisis therefore calls us to a profound spiritual conversion: Christians are called to “an ecological conversion whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them.” (ibid., 217).  Thus, “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.”(ibid). 

One way to mark the day is to pray the Prayer to Care for Our Common Home, from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. It is based on the Pope’s encyclical, Laudato Si. 

You might also visit the website of Catholics Confront Global Poverty, an organization formed by the USCCB  and Catholic Relief Services. It offers information on Church teachings and provides ways to get involved in addressing the issues.

 

Catholic Charities' Commission on Peace and Justice is looking at appropriate ways mark the day next year.