World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation

Source: Archdiocese of Cardiff

Sunday, September 1st marks the World Day of Prayer for the care of Creation. When writing 'The Call of Creation' in 2002, the Catholic Bishops of England & Wales said that "care for the environment presents a major challenge for the whole community in the 21st century." The passing of time makes this challenge clearer. It is now an unprecedented ecological crisis.

The Environmental Advisory Group of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales exists to gather information and provide practical responses to the encyclical 'Laudato Si'. All parishes are invited to prayer the prayer below at all Masses on the weekend of August 31st/September 1st.

Father, Lord of all creation,

we praise you with all your creatures

and the whole universe that comes forth from the work of Your hands.

We acknowledge the privilege and responsibility

that You give us as stewards of Your creation.

In our ignorance we have done damage to our common home

and our brothers and sisters are suffering.

Through faithfully following your Son

guide and direct us to prepare for a better future.

Teach us to contemplate You in the beauty of the universe,

for all things speak of You.

Give us the grace to recognise, respect and protect all You have created,

using wisely all that you have entrusted to us.

Holy Spirit,

who first hovered over the dawn of creation and drew order out of the chaos

help us to build your kingdom of justice, love, peace and beauty where the poor of the earth are crying out.

You, who live and reign, world without end, Amen.

See also: Season of Creation: Liturgy Resources for 2019 www.indcatholicnews.com/news/37506