ROME, ITALY 

World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

Following the publication of the encyclical Laudato Si’ – On the Care of Our Common Home, Pope Francis has instituted the 1st of September as the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.” The Spiritan family welcomes both the Papal encyclical and the institution of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Our confreres regularly witness the adverse effects of the irresponsible care of the environment. As first responders in the unfortunate event of natural and man-made disasters, the Spiritan family through the Office of Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation office at the Generalate in Rome encourages all Spiritans to integrate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in all aspects of our missionary ministries.

Visit this link  http://www.iustitiaetpax.va/content/giustiziaepace/en.html to download a proposal of prayer and use it on Tuesday 1st September 2015.

Some suggestions from the province JPIC Office        The new papal encyclical Laudato Si’ is a signature piece of Pope Francis’ pontificate.  A topic of significant discussion at the recent  Spiritan General Assembly in Pittsburgh, it is highly recommended reading for prayer and reflection as Catholics seek to deepen our reverence and respect for the world in which we live.   Click here to order a copy from USCCB or to download an easy to read PDF version online.

The Vatican Press Office has provided a succinct summary of the document which can be accessed  here courtesy of America Magazine.

Other resources for studying and implementing this thought-provoking papal encyclical can be found at the  United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website as well as through United States Catholic Mission Association courtesy of the  Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach– beginning on page 8 of the Mission Update.