Hosting this session around the Feast of St. Francis highlights St. Francis’s concern for both Creation and those at the margins of society:

  • Blessed John Paul II named St. Francis of Assisi the Patron Saint of those who promote ecology.
  • Pope Francis, who took his name in part to lift up the importance of creation care, has already both inspired us with his humility and challenged us with his words, urging us to make care for Creation and care for the poor a significant part of our Catholic witness:
    Let us protect Christ in our lives, so that we can protect others, so that we can protect creation! ~ POPE FRANCIS, MARCH 19, 2013
  • A little-known but important study from the Pontifical Academy of Sciences is due further recognition by Catholics, and its call for action must be better heeded by all. Quoting from the document:
    The PAS Working Group calls on all people and nations to recognize the serious and potentially irreversible impacts of human activities that generate excess greenhouse gases and other pollutants as well as by changes in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and other land uses. (p.1)

While the Coalition is producing these materials for use around the Feast of St. Francis, you should feel free to offer this educational event at any time.

Category: 
Care for Creation
Program: 
2023 Feast of St. Francis
Audience: 
Campus Ministry, Creation Care Teams, Diocesan Staff, Educators-Secondary School, Liturgical Planners, Parish Staff, Pastors, Religious Communities, Youth Ministers