Prayer for Creation

Richard A. Sokerka

In keeping with the theme of Pope Francis’ most recent encyclical, Laudato Si, the Holy Father has instituted a new day of prayer and celebration for the Church, the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation,” to be celebrated on Sept. 1 each year.

In announcing the day of prayer, Pope Francis said that the day would be an opportunity for Christians to reaffirm their vocation as stewards of God’s creation, to recognize their gratitude for God’s earthly gifts, and to pray for the protection of the environment and pardon from sins against it.

The Pope also expressed hope that the new day will serve as a call to the faithful to an “ecological conversion” whereby their encounter with the Risen Lord is evident in their care for the world around them.

The World Day of Prayer for the Care for Creation is meant to be celebrated “with the participation of the entire People of God: priests, men and women religious and the lay faithful,” Pope Francis said, and should “become a significant occasion for prayer, reflection, conversion and the adoption of appropriate lifestyles (in regard to respecting all creation).”

On Sept. 1, Catholics worldwide need to begin that “ecological conversion” the Pope is hoping for by joining together in prayer to steadfastly follow their vocation as stewards of God’s creation every day of the year.