Crises we experience today—spiritual, ecological, political, global—signify that we have lost consciousness (and perhaps conscience) regarding the sacred at the heart of all life. The Season of Creation invites us to re-awaken and transform the way we choose to live, relate and engage with creation.
The celebration was birthed in 1989 when the Eastern Orthodox Church recognized a Day of Prayer for Creation (Sept. 1) and other Christian European churches, the World Council of Churches, the Ecumenical Assembly and Philippine Catholic Bishops embraced the effort. Pope Francis, too, signed on in 2015, launching Laudato Si’. In fact, the Season of Creation, between Sept. 1 and Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis, is now recognized as a liturgical season, when all Christians unite annually in worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home.
This year’s theme, “Listen to the Voice of Creation,” calls us to listen to “silenced voices, in terms of biodiverse species (and lost species) and Earth, the people whose voices and knowledge are silenced in public discourse, and the importance of contemplating and listening to nature” in order to reshape spiritual, political, social, economic systems to manifest just, sustainable economies of life, respecting the life-giving ecological limits of Earth.
The burning bush, this year’s symbol, draws connection between the fire of so many unnatural fires that aggravate the climate crisis and the symbol of fire as the light of Spirit that impassions all of humans to care for Earth. Individuals and communities are invited to participate through prayer, reflection, sustainability projects and advocacy. Opportunities include:
Prayer: Host a prayer service that unites all people to care for Earth, journey together in creation to places affected by climate change and biodiversity loss, listen to the voice of land and all of creation.
Sustainability: Lead a public awareness event inspiring all to consider hosting conversations about eco theological and environmental ethic, simple local sustainable practices that individuals and communities can engage.
Advocacy: Raise voice for climate justice. Join one of the many movements, such as divesting from fossil fuels. Follow the issues and events of the United Nations Climate Change Conference leading up to COP27, to be held in Egypt, November 7–18, 2022. Consider writing and speaking with government representatives regarding issues that will protect creation.
Globally, we can foster the ecological conversion that Pope Francis calls for: “We are not faced with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the underprivileged, and at the same time protecting nature” (Laudato Si’, paragraph 139).
How might you listen more closely to the silenced voices of Earth? What voices are calling for attention? How might you respond?
See possibilities for engagement in the Season of Creation at: https://laudatosimovement.org/news/what-is-the-season-of-creation/
—Ann Jackson, PBVM, Prairiewoods spiritual services coordinator