The Season of Creation with Caritas Nottingham

Each year on the 1st September, the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Creation, established by Pope Francis in 2015.

Thursday, September 1, 2022
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Caritas, Justice and Peace

Each year on the 1st September, the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Creation, established by Pope Francis in 2015. It kickstarts the ecumenical ‘Season of Creation’ which lasts until the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, on the 4th of October.  

‘Listen to the voice of creation’ is the theme and invitation Pope Francis has proposed for this year’s Season of Creation. In his message for the World Day of Prayer, our Holy Father invites us to listen attentively to a kind of dissonance in the voice of creation. He writes that ‘on the one hand, we can hear a sweet song in praise of our beloved Creator; on the other, an anguished plea, lamenting our mistreatment of this our common home.’ In the tensions between this song and plea, we are invited to cultivate our ‘ecological conversion’; repenting and modifying our lifestyles, so that ‘we and future generations can continue to rejoice in creation’s sweet song of life and hope.’ You can read the Pope’s full message here.

Our diocesan Caritas and Justice & Peace, led by Paul Bodenham, helps support parishes and individuals in this important work of caring for creation and responding to our call to be protectors of God’s handiwork (Laudato Si’, 127). Ahead of this year’s Season of Creation and following the record high temperatures of this Summer, Paul shares:

Laudato Si’ is our roadmap for this journey, for individuals, as parishes and schools, and for society at large. It’s easy to feel daunted by the distance we’ve got to travel, but journeys are always easier with good company. So, Caritas is here to support anyone who’s up for the adventure, personally and in their parish. Anyone is welcome to join our network of Laudato Si’ Champions, and we’re keen to hear from ‘pioneer parishes’ who can show the way.’  

Towards the end of this year’s Season of Creation, Caritas Nottingham will be launching a ‘Pioneer Parishes’ scheme, thanks to a support from CAFOD. ‘Pioneer Parishes’ will be supported by Caritas Nottingham to live out the call of Laudato Si’, ‘rooted in Creation and renewed in the Spirit’. It is an invitation to journey through this coming decade to reach net-zero carbon emissions and restore nature, as an integral part of a parish’s plans for formation and renewal. Find out more and register now for 4 October.

Around the diocese other events include an 8-week series looking at ‘Care for Our Common Home’ at St Mary Crowned parish in Glossop. The course will explore the implications of Laudato Si’ and its call for eco and social justice, grounded in faith and prayer. The sessions begin on Monday 12th September and you can find more details here. Over in Leicestershire, the Leicester Laudato Si’ Circle are hosting a film night at Blessed Sacrament parish hall on 1st October 2022 from 6pm. Tickets are free to see the CaFE film ‘Global Healing’ but attendees are asked to book in advance here.

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