Faith

Pope Francis has established 1 September as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, encouraging the Catholic community around the world to pray for our common home.

The day is inspired by Pope Francis' landmark encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls on "every person living on this planet" to care for our shared Earth. He calls us all to celebrate this opportune moment to “reaffirm [our] personal vocation to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful handiwork which he has entrusted to our care, and to implore his help for the protection of creation, as well as his pardon for the sins committed against the world in which we live.”

A Prayer for our Earth By Pope Francis* 

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe 

and in the smallest of your creatures. 

You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. 

Pour out upon us the power of your love, 

that we may protect life and beauty. 

Fill us with peace, that we may live 

as brothers and sisters, harming no one. 

O God of the poor, 

help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, 

so precious in your eyes. 

Bring healing to our lives, 

that we may protect the world and not prey on it, 

that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. 

Touch the hearts 

of those who look only for gain 

at the expense of the poor and the earth. 

Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, 

to be filled with awe and contemplation, 

to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature 

as we journey towards your infinite light. 

We thank you for being with us each day. 

Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. 

* Pope Francis published this prayer in his Laudato Si’ encyclical, and is meant for sharing with all who believe in a God who is the all-powerful Creator.

Suzanne Deefholts

Religious Education Leader