“Let Justice and Peace Flow” is the theme chosen for Season of Creation 2023, the ecumenical celebration we hold each year from September 1, World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to October 4th, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Pope Francis first instituted the September 1st World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in 2015, serving as a way to encourage the faithful around the world to pray for our common home. The annual day also marks the beginning of an ecumenical outreach bringing Christians to pray and work together in what is called the Season of Creation.

How can we celebrate during this time?

Jump to:

• Pope Francis’ Message for the Season
• The Letter Film
• Global Season of Creation Prayer Services
• Prayers of Intercession
• Rosary, Novena, Vigil for Creation
• One Life Music- Creation in Schools
• Ignatian style examens for primary and secondary school children
• Webinar: Call of creation: Reading the signs of the times
• The God Who Speaks - Season of Creation Care

Pope Francis’ Message for the Season

You could begin by reading Pope Francis’ message for this Season.

In his Message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Pope Francis chose the theme “Let Justice and Peace Flow," inspired by the words of the prophet Amos: “Let justice flow on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.”

The Pope begins by noting that, "God wants justice to reign; it is as essential to our life as God’s children made in his likeness as water is essential for our physical survival." You can read the full message below, and the Catholic Bishops' Conference has also provided a summary.

Pope Francis' Message for Creation Day 2023

The Letter Film

This is an excellent opportunity to arrange a showing- or re-showing of The Letter. If you register your screening, you’ll gain access to exclusive how-to guides, toolkits, and training opportunities. 

The Letter tells the story of a journey to Rome of frontline leaders to discuss the encyclical letter Laudato Si’ with Pope Francis. The exclusive dialogue with the Pope, included in the film, offers a revealing insight into the personal history of Pope Francis and stories never seen since he became the Bishop of Rome.

The Letter Film

Global Season of Creation Prayer Services

Faith leaders from around the globe will lead this time of prayer and reflection as we celebrate the start of the Season of Creation, on this year’s theme, “Let Justice and Peace Flow”. Season of Creation Prayer Services 2pm, Friday 1st September and 2pm, Wednesday 4th October. Join with the global Church community by connecting online through the opening and closing prayer services.

Season of Creation Offiicial Events

Prayers of Intercession

This Season of Creation, can you do some simple things? How about asking your Parish Priest to pray the Weekly Prayers of Intercession during the Season of Creation, or do so in a parish or community group:

3rd September: 22nd Sunday of the Year.

Heavenly Father, we pray for the grace to see where our actions are harming Your creation, in even the smallest of ways, and the strength and determination to change our attitudes and behaviour.

Lord……

10th September: 23rd Sunday of the Year.

Father, your son, Jesus Christ, promised that where two or more agreed to ask, it will be granted. We earnestly ask that we be given the wisdom to see how each one of us can alter our ways of living so that we reduce any damage we may unwittingly be causing to our environment and to the climate.

Lord….

17th September:  24th Sunday of the Year.

Heavenly Father, we pray that we be forgiven for all the times we have neglected our responsibilities towards Your Creation. Give us the perseverance to strive ever more for the ecological conversion that Pope Francis calls for in Laudato Si’.

Lord….

24th September: 25th Sunday of the Year.

Creator God, show us what more we can do to work in your vineyard. Inspire us to continue our efforts with making changes in our lifestyles, by living more simply, sustainably and in solidarity.

Lord…..

1st October:   26th Sunday of the Year.

Heavenly Father, give us the desire and determination to always seek out and do your will, in every aspect of our lives. Especially, may we always be aware of our own carbon footprint, and do all in our power to avoid any harm to the planet.

Lord…..

Rosary, Novena, Vigil for Creation

Perhaps your prayer groups can arrange to pray especially for Creation. Offer a Rosary for Creation- there are several guided rosaries for creation available online. You may like:

CAFOD's Rosary for Creation

Franciscan Action Network Rosary for Care of Creation

You could also pray this Novena to St Francis, also from CAFOD:

Novena to St Francis

Can you arrange for a special Vigil for Creation?

We have provided a service which we invite you to use  at home, in parishes or parish groups to celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on 1 September.

It can also be used at any point during Creation Time, an ecumenical season dedicated to prayer for the protection of creation and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles running from 1 September to 4 October. 

Pope Francis calls us all to celebrate this moment to “reaffirm [our] personal vocation to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful handiwork that he has entrusted to our care, and to implore his help for the protection of creation, as well as his pardon for the sins committed against the world in which we live.”

Season of Creation: Vigil

One Life Music- Creation in Schools

Primary School Resource: OPEN for Creation

Let justice flow like a river. Let goodness flow like a never-ending stream. Amos 5:24

Join with Dan and Emily each weekday of Creation, for these short times of prayer and song to celebrate the Season.

Beginning on 4 September and ending on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi 4 October 2023, the popular resource of OPEN is used in primary schools across the country each day. This series of films take you right out into creation to celebrate this year's theme.

One Life Music: OPEN for Creation

Full school retreat: Let All Creation Sing

Taking its inspiration from Pope Francis' letter Laudato Si. This retreat is a day of celebration and thanks for all of God's Creation. Through music, sharing, prayer and activities, we will look at, give thanks for and celebrate the beauty, the wonder and the glory of creation.

One Life Music: Let All Creation Sing

Ignatian style examens for primary and secondary school children

These Ignatian-type Examens are based on the Laudato Si “call to heed the Cry of the Earth and Cry of the Poor”. Take time to reflect with these spiritual exercises for primary and secondary school students.

Primary School Examen

Secondary School Examen

Webinar: Call of creation: Reading the signs of the times

You are invited to join this webinar hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, CAFOD and St Mary’s University in conversation with Archbishop Peter Loy Chong of Fiji and Sr Margaret Atkins on Tuesday 12 September, 7pm.

This September marks a year since the Bishops of England and Wales republished The Call of Creation, a document that encourages us to repair our relationship with God’s creation.

It recognises the interconnectedness of the biggest challenges of our times and urges each of us to ask ourselves how we can protect our common home.

CAFOD’s Director Christine Allen will host and we will also be welcomed by Bishop John Arnold, lead Bishop on environmental issues for the Bishops' Conference.

Call of Creation Webinar

The God Who Speaks - Season of Creation Care

September is 'Creationtide' where we take a deeper look at the environment and our responsibilities to challenge climate change and other ecological issues. Take a look at a range of articles and activities to inspire you in collective care and prayer to live sustainably.

The God Who Speaks

If you will be doing any of these things- or have different plans for the Season please share these with [email protected]