The Season of CreationNews and events

The Season of Creation is marked throughout the Christian world from 1 September to the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi on 4h October. It celebrates the joy and beauty of creation and encourages awareness of our responsibility to protect our God-given home.
 
During this holiday month of August,  we cannot ignore the calamitous fires, droughts and floods that are marking this summer. The Season of Creation must surely include some lament for our indifference and ill-treatment of God's gift. Truly it is an issue of the Sacredness of Life, which the Church seeks to uphold.
 
Pope Francis has appealed to us to recognise our shared responsibility:
'The catastrophic effects of climate change hold us accountable before God who has entrusted us with the care of creation, before our neighbours and before future generations.'
 
Can we pause and reflect on this accountability in preparation for the Season of Creation? Listen for the Holy Spirit?
 
This year's theme is 'Let Justice and Peace Flow' taking inspiration from the prophet Amos: 'Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream'. (5:24).
We are called to join the river of justice and peace, to take up climate and ecological justice, and to speak out with and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity.
 
As the people of God, we must work together on behalf of all Creation, as part of that mighty river of peace and justice.
 
Please look at this page from the Irish Bishops Conference to help with ideas:
 
And closer to home, with acknowledgement to Philip Mayland of the Diocese of Birmingham:

 

Philip's suggested prayers of intercession for each Sunday are printed below.
 

Prayers of Intercession during the Season of Creation

3rd September:      22nd Sunday of the Year.

Heavenly Father, we pray for the grace to see where our actions are harming Your creation, in even the smallest of ways, and the strength and determination to change our attitudes and behaviour.

Lord……

10th September:   23rd Sunday of the Year.

Father, your son, Jesus Christ, promised that where two or more agreed to ask, it will be granted. We earnestly ask that we be given the wisdom to see how each one of us can alter our ways of living so that we reduce any damage we may unwittingly be causing to our environment and to the climate.

Lord….

17th September:  24th Sunday of the Year.

Heavenly Father, we pray that we be forgiven for all the times we have neglected our responsibilities towards Your Creation. Give us the perseverance to strive ever more for the ecological conversion that Pope Francis calls for in Laudato Si’.

Lord….

24th September:   25th Sunday of the Year.

Creator God, show us what more we can do to work in your vineyard. Inspire us to continue our efforts with making changes in our lifestyles, by living more simply, sustainably and in solidarity.

Lord…..

1st October:   26th Sunday of the Year.

Heavenly Father, give us the desire and determination to always seek out and do your will, in every aspect of our lives. Especially, may we always be aware of our own carbon footprint, and do all in our power to avoid any harm to the planet.

Lord…..

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