Three ways to celebrate the Season of Creation

• Celebrate Creation Day and the Season of Creation – Sept. 1 is “Creation Day,” the first day in the Season of Creation, which ends on the feast of St. Francis on Oct. 4. Spread the word about Creation Day on social media with these resources from the Order of Friars Minor. The Order also offers ideas for liturgical enhancements, aligning with the new Mass for the Care of Creation, first celebrated by Pope Leo on July 9. The Mass incorporates some of the main positions of Laudato Si’ and “calls us to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us – not only in daily choices and public policies, but also in our prayer, our worship, and our way of living in the world,” noted Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, during the press conference announcing the new liturgical text.  
• Learn more about the Canticle of Creation and integral ecology — Franciscan scholar Br. Bill Short, OFM, has developed a video presentation to help deepen our spirituality regarding care for creation and recognize the connection between the Canticle and integral theology. The video is accompanied by a reflection guide for use in group settings.  
• Join a Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation — The Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation initiative offers local opportunities to draw closer to God and nature. During the Season of Creation, communities are encouraged to organize events that contribute to the Church’s mission of ecological conversion. Pilgrimages may be as simple or complex as organizers wish, from a rosary walk on parish grounds to a multi-day trek through a mountain range. Visit CatholicPilgrimsOfHope.org to learn more and find a pilgrimage near you.