Invitation to Pilgrimages of Hope
By Colleen Kammer, JPIC Director
Pope Francis invited all people to make a Pilgrimage of Hope during this Jubilee Year, to encounter Christ in creation and restore our relationships with God, creation, and one another. Rooted in Laudato Si’, it underscores the moral responsibility of caring for the earth, a principle of Catholic Social Teaching.
A provincial pilgrimage committee has developed materials for your use and has communicated with the community leadership teams at residences and care facilities about conducting pilgrimages appropriate for their specific realities. Read the committee’s letter to the province, which offers creative ways for making your Pilgrimage of Hope in community or alone during the Season of Creation, September 1 – October 4, or by December 31, 2025, the end of the Jubilee Year.
Click here for suggested prayers to use for your pilgrimage. Be sure to share your pilgrimages with us. Email Colleen Kammer, ckammer@amssnd.org
Season of Creation – An Expression of SSND’s Call
Welcome to the Season of Creation, themed “Peace With Creation” in 2025! Pope Leo delivered a message for the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, which kicked off the Season of Creation, on September 1. Separately, faith leaders from around the world held an ecumenical prayer service on the 1st. You can view the Prayer Service on YouTube here.
“We, as a Laudato Si’ congregation, unite with the church’s movement to address the environmental and humanitarian crisis within the framework of an integral ecology.” Call of the 25th General Chapter
During the Season of Creation, SSND is publicly highlighting the various and creative ways the congregation is living out our Laudato Si commitment through the sharing of photos on the SSND International (Gerhardinger) website. Each week there will be a focus on a different branch of Shalom. This week we highlight the branch of Africa. Click here to read how Africa embodies Laudato Si’ and to watch a short video.
U.S. Gospel Fund Accepting Applicants
Applications and endorsements for the U.S. Gospel Fund will be accepted through October 1. The Women’s Pastoral Ministry in San Pedro, Guatemala, used its Gospel Fund grant to increase the number of women graduating from high school, provide quality healthcare, and support them in leadership positions in the community. Click here to access the NEW online forms. Invite organizations that align with SSND’s mission to apply to the Gospel Fund.
