The Season of Creation is an annual ecumenical celebration that takes place from September 1 to October 4. It is a celebration of creation through prayer and action that calls us into a deeper relationship with God, Mother Earth, and all species. This year’s celebration was special in many ways!

The theme for this year was Peace with Creation. We see daily the destruction of this precious Earth and all life with climate impacts, like worsening and more frequent storms, drought, wildfires, and extreme heat, with pollution of air and water, and with devastating conflicts and war. Peace with Creation is an urgent call. The Season of Creation began with the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation. In his message marking the occasion, Pope Leo XIV highlighted that this year was the 10th anniversary of the event. He also reflected on the theme chosen for this year by late Pope Francis – Seeds of Peace and Hope. Finally, he emphasized the continued relevance of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home, which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

“In a world where the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters are the first to suffer the devastating effects of climate change, deforestation and pollution, care for creation becomes an expression of our faith and humanity.” ~Pope Leo XIV

The Season ended on October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. This year is the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures, St. Francis message of love to all of creation that inspired Pope Francis’ Laudato Si': Praise be You, my Lord, through Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Wind, Sister Water, and Sister Mother Earth. It is a reminder that we encounter God through and as part of creation. Even though the Season of Creation is over, we invite you to take time to share in this deepening of our interconnectedness with the Earth and all species. The following page is an excerpt from this years Celebration Guide.