A Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

I love to walk in the morning. Although my dog and I often traverse the same streets, seeing the same trees, grass and flowers, something different catches my attention each day. God’s creation is incredibly intricate and filled with amazing shapes, textures, colors, and smells. Even in the cold of winter, the sound of snow under my boots and the frigid wind on my face has the ability to provide a path to the Divine.

Pope Francis has designated September 1 to be a Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Connecting the power of prayer with his recent encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si, the date also coincides with the Orthodox Catholic Church’s day to encourage the protection of the environment.

Praying for people to reference the Earth is a beautiful thing as the planet often suffers without it inhabitants taking the time to listen to its voice. Working at Call To Action, I am acutely aware of the parallel this upcoming day of prayer has with CTA’s mission. CTA strives to change the hearts and minds of those in the Church and society to pay attention to those whose voices are often ignored or not heard at all. CTA calls for racial justice and LBGT inclusion; it holds up women’s leadership and the rights of those who work for the Catholic Church.

On September 1, I will kneel with Pope Francis and pray for our spinning blue-green home and that all those inhabiting it will treat it with the respect and care it is due. I will also pray for all those who don’t receive the respect and care that is due to them: those on the margins of Church who are often, and sadly, excluded. We are all Creation, formed by God’s loving hand. Let us pray.