Image by Javier Miranda on Unsplash
Today, 1st September, is the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation or “Creation Day”.
It was originally celebrated by the ancient Orthodox Church from the 5th century, as a day to praise God as the Creator, to commemorate the mystery of Creation in Christ and to inspire Christians to care for the created world.
In 2015 Pope Francis extended the celebration to Catholics when he published his encyclical letter Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, saying that prayer for Creation is “now more urgent than ever”. He wished the celebration to be extended to 4th October, the feast of St Francis of Assisi.
This year Pope Leo XIV’s September prayer intention is for “Our Relationship with All of Creation”. It says: “Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.”
Animal Interfaith Alliance 