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.
Invitation to Pilgrimages of Hope
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
Additional Resources
Our world suffers the wounds of ecological destruction, climate change, and war. Yet the Spirit of God calls us to respond with faith, courage, and hope—planting seeds of peace through prayer, justice, and daily action.
This year, there are numerous rich liturgical, educational, and practical resources to help communities and individuals fully live the Season of Creation.
- Click here to explore a guide to the main tools available
- Click here for the Catholic Liturgical Guild
- Click here for the Official Laudato Si Prayer Book
- Click here for the 2024 monthly Prayer Guide for September
What can YOU do?
Pray – Use the liturgical and ecumenical resources to root your community in prayer.
Celebrate – Organize Masses, services, or small group gatherings inspired by the Celebration Guide.
Act – Plant trees, reduce waste, advocate for climate justice, or create spaces of peace in your community. Use our padlet and upload all your wonderful activities.
Engage Youth and Families – Use the children’s and youth resources to pass on the call to care for creation to the next generation.
