On Thursday 1st September 2022 the Church celebrated the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, with the theme ‘Listen to the Voice of Creation’. 

That day marked the beginning of a period of prayer and action in relation to care for our mutual home, up to and including 4th October: the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, who is the Patron Saint of Ecology.

During this time we are encouraged to consider our relationship with God, each other, and the Earth, with particular concern for the stewardship of creation and the cry of the poor, whose ability to work sustainably with the land is often affected by the adverse effects of climate change.

Our well-being is inextricably interwoven with that of the Earth and the fine balance of our ecosystems. We have seen our planet troubled in recent times with high temperatures, wildfires, floods and adverse weather conditions, leading to ecological, financial and social instability for those affected. In a similar vein, the significant loss or damage to a range of habitats has negatively affected a variety of species. 

In this Season, we are called by the Holy Spirit, signified by the holy fire of the Burning Bush, to listen to the living voice of creation, and to the wisdom of those who can teach us to live sustainably and within the limits of our earthly resources.