Season of Creation, 2025 – What Will We Learn?
During the Season of Creation, originally an ecumenical initiative, celebrated between the 1st of September and the 4th of October, we are called to reflect on the message of the Prophet Isaiah referring to our abiding, in peaceful habitations, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. This reminds us that prayer, determination and concrete actions are necessary for our dream to become visible in our world. “The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress of God.” (Laudato Si' 84)
Now is the season for us to acknowledge our connectedness to creation because we, too, are creatures. We can now take time to recognize the intrinsic dignity of creation, and we can stand in solidarity with all of creation and adopt a preferential option for the poor. Also, we can act boldly against injustice, by seeking systemic change and by initiating ecological practices. We might consider living more simply and acting more boldly.
Pope Leo called us to environmental justice in his message for this year’s World’s Day of Prayer for Care of the Earth, September 1st. “In a world where the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters are the first to suffer the devastating effects of climate change, deforestation and pollution, care for creation becomes an expression of our faith and humanity.”
"Peace with Creation," the 2025 theme, emphasizes the profound interconnectedness of humanity and Earth, calling for hopeful action, prayer, and a recommitment to environmental healing and ecological justice. How will you reflect, pray, and act during this season?
Submitted by the Addressing Climate Change Committee
USCCB and Racial Justice and Reconciliation
The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) announced the transition of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism into a permanent Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation. The subcommittee seeks to teach about and witness to the intrinsic dignity of the human person to counter the sin of racism. The Subcommittee explores and implements concrete solutions to address the sin of racism that still pervades our society and our Church today and works in collaborative ways to strengthen the response of all people to this evil. The new subcommittee will begin its work following the conclusion of the November Plenary Assembly of the USCCB.
Submitted by the Dismantling Racism Committee
Season of Creation – An Expression of SSND’s Call
During the Season of Creation, SSND is publicly highlighting the various and creative ways the congregation is living out our Laudato Si' commitment. See photos from Latin America.
