Statement on the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation, September 1, 2016

Joint Statement on the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation by Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, Chairman, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development and Bishop Oscar Cantu, Chairman, Committee on International Justice and Peace, September 1, 2016

This joint USCCB statement (Archbishop Wenski and Bishop Cantú) for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation (Sept 1, 2016) invites Catholics and other people of faith to pray for creation and to practice an “integral ecology” rooted in right relationships with God, neighbor, and the Earth. Drawing on Laudato si’ and earlier papal teaching, the statement calls for an “ecological conversion” expressed in prayer, daily stewardship, lifestyle changes, and public witness—especially toward protecting the poor, who suffer most from environmental harm.

Key themes

• Integral ecology — human, social, and environmental relationships are inseparable; harm in one realm damages the others.
• Prayer and conversion — the World Day of Prayer is an opportunity to seek God’s grace, cultivate wonder, and commit to a change of heart and life.
• Practical stewardship — small daily actions (recycling, conserving energy, using public transit, etc.) are morally significant and form the basis for larger collective efforts.
• Preferential concern for the poor — environmental harms and policy failures disproportionately hurt vulnerable communities; stewardship must include amplifying their voices and protecting their dignity.
• Ecumenical and interreligious solidarity — Catholics are invited to join Orthodox, other Christians, Jews, Muslims, and people of good will in prayer and care for creation.

Concrete invitations and actions

• Observe the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in parish liturgies, family prayer, and local events.
• Adopt daily practices of conservation and reduced consumption at home, work, and parish.
• Integrate experiences of creation into communal life (walks, meals sharing homegrown food, seasonal celebrations) to sustain wonder and gratitude.
• Use parish networks to raise awareness about environmental injustice and to advocate for policies that protect vulnerable communities.
• Partner ecumenically and interreligiously to strengthen public witness and advocacy.

Suggested uses

• Draft a short parish bulletin announcement or liturgy insert for the World Day of Prayer.
• Build a one-page parish guide listing simple lifestyle actions and local advocacy steps.
• Design a brief interfaith prayer service or community walk centered on gratitude for creation and concern for the poor.

joint-statement-world-day-of-prayer-for-care-of-creation-2016-09-01.pdf