By Sister Mary Heather MacKinnon
The Season of Creation – What is it and how did it begin?
The Season of Creation is a theological and liturgical time designated to celebrate our human relationship with all of creation. It is now a global and ecumenical movement that began in 1989 when Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I declared September 1 as a Day of Prayer and Celebration for Creation in the Orthodox Church. Following Patriarch Dimitrios I, the World Council of Churches worked to extend this celebration to a full Season from September 1 (the Day of Prayer for Creation) to October 4 (the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Ecology). In 2015, Pope Francis made the Season of Creation an official time of prayer and celebration in the Roman Catholic Church.
Theme of the Season of Creation for 2023
The Season of Creation theme for 2023 is “Let Justice and Peace Flow,” drawn from the cry of the prophet Amos: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 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.
The Season of Creation, SSND, and Laudato Si’
The Season of Creation is a practical and important way for SSND sisters, associates, and colleagues to live out our congregational commitment to be a Laudato Si’ Congregation.
Take time to find the many online resources for prayer, liturgical suggestions, and short videos which outline simple actions we can all take to respond to the ecological cries of the earth and its people in our time. With Christians everywhere, let us respond to Amos and “let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24).
Selected Resources for Celebration of the Season of Creation
Video: Prepare for the Season of Creation 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PPyobDnGP4
Season of Creation Celebration Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/145WzDi32U8YdlyY9Peo1bn-aLqyi4cl6/view?pli=1
Daily Reflections
Season of Creation – Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph (csjoseph.org)
Worship Resources
Season of Creation 2023 | Catholic Climate Covenant
More on Laudato Si’
- Read more reflections about the Laudato Si’ Action Platform goals.
- Click here to learn more about Laudato Si’ and the seven international goals of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.