A Christian Prayer in Union with Creation

by Pope Francis

Father, we praise you with all your creatures.
They came forth from your all-powerful hand;
they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love. Praise be to you!

Son of God, Jesus,
through you all things were made.
You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother, you became part of this earth,
and you gazed upon this world with human eyes. Today you are alive in every creature
in your risen glory.
Praise be to you!

Holy Spirit, by your light
you guide this world towards the Father’s love

and accompany creation as it groans in travail. You also dwell in our hearts
and you inspire us to do what is good. Praise be to you!

Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love, teach us to contemplate you
in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made.
Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is.

God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight. Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.

Praise be to you! Amen.

* Pope Francis published this prayer in his Laudato Si’ encyclical, and is meant for us Christians to ask for inspiration to take up the commitment to creation set before us by the Gospel of Jesus.

Earth Day Ideas for Home

This year, Earth Day calls us to celebrate in a new way: safe-at-home. It reminds all of us the importance of Caring for our Common Home—literally and at large. Pope Francis' message is clear that caring for our environment is a fundamental tenet of our Catholic faith, as expressed in his encyclical, Laudato Si, "On Care for Our Common Home." We offer some resources to make your observance of Earth Day fun, and an opportunity for faith sharing conversations around our responsibility as Catholic Christians. Enjoy!

Loyola Press – 10 Catholic Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2016/04/10-catholic-ways-to-celebrate-earth-day/

Caring for the Environment Family Faith sharing guide

https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2017/06/caring-for-the-environment-family-faith-sharing-guide/

Earth Day Bingo Board

https://www.education.com/worksheet/article/earth-day-bingo-board/

Earth Day Word Search

https://crayonsandcravings.com/earth-day-word-search/

How to Celebrate Earth Day at Home

https://jesuits.org/news-detail?tn=news-20200421082411&method=active

An Ignatian Examen on the Earth

http://www.ecologicalexamen.org/