Christians across the globe opened this year’s Season of Creation with events that underscored both the gift of creation and the shared responsibility to protect it, according to the Laudato Si’ Movement.
In South Korea, the observance opened in Seoul with a Mass led by Father Park Hyun-dong, followed by a climate march organized with the Laudato Si’ Movement–Korea.
The event brought together the faithful and civil society in a visible call for ecological conversion.
In Ethiopia, the Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa gathered leaders determined to move beyond rhetoric and position Africa as a driving force in the next global climate economy, rather than as a victim of the crisis.
In the Philippines, Christians from different denominations joined the 3rd Ecumenical Walk for Creation in Manila, combining prayer and action in a collective call for stronger commitments to protect the planet.
In Rome, the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan and the Laudato Si’ Circle of Roma Trastevere hosted a Creation Day Mass in their Eco-Charity Garden. Monsignor Francesco Pesce presided, with reflections from the Laudato Si’ Research Institute, while the liturgy featured the newly published Mass for the Care of Creation.
Across the United States, hundreds of Pilgrimages of Hope are taking place, stretching from Idaho to Indiana, Texas, and Washington, D.C., as pilgrims walk thousands of miles in a shared act of reconciliation with God, with one another, and with creation.
In Peru, the Archdiocese of Lima, along with several dioceses and the Apostolic Vicariate of Iquitos, celebrated Creation Day with Masses and activities.
The opening liturgy, presided over by Cardinal Carlos Castillo, was livestreamed to extend participation and reaffirm the Church’s commitment to safeguarding the Common Home.
The Season of Creation will run until October 4, concluding with an ecumenical prayer service on the theme “Peace with Creation,” reflecting on both the beauty of nature and the harm caused by human exploitation.
