When Creation is prayed

Here we go again. From September 1st to October 4th, Christian churches are invited to raise an ardent prayer for Creation. Should we once again tell the genesis of this initiative?

How did Greek Orthodox Patriarch Dimitrios launch it before the ecumenical movement took it up?

How Pope Francis validated the approach, notably through the publication of his encyclical Praise be to you, almost ten years ago already? On the parish level, there is still a long way to go for our communities to take ownership of this “Time for Creation”*, often more preoccupied with the start of the catechism and community organization. But happy are those who understand that this proposal is a magnificent opportunity to give new pastoral and fraternal breath. For a month, praying for each other – for humans, but also all the living creatures around us – allows us to rebuild magnificent intergenerational bonds.

There are so many things to invent: organize, for example, seasonal meals, in short supply chains, and widely invite the neighborhood and local actors of the transition.

Go visit agricultural, business and associative projects around us that open up new perspectives showing everything that is concretely feasible. So many reasons to be creative with and for Creation.

*bit.ly/temps-creation-2024