Statement
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Statement, August 31, 2017
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Statement by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Chairman, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop Oscar Cantu, Chairman, Committee on International Justice and Peace, August 31, 2017
This statement marks the two-year anniversary of the Catholic Church’s observance of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation (Sept 1), joining Orthodox and other Christian traditions in solidarity for environmental stewardship.
Key Themes:
- Mercy and Creation: Pope Francis declared care for our common home as a work of mercy, extending compassion to the poor, unborn, future generations, and all creation.
- Conversion: Calls for personal and institutional examination of conscience regarding ecological harm, leading to “profound interior conversion” and simple daily actions that reject violence, exploitation, and selfishness.
- Community Responsibility: Emphasizes structural changes to address environmental degradation and its impact on the poor.
Energy and Sustainability:
- Advocates for an “energy revolution” through sustainable infrastructure and technology.
- Energy is a gift for all humanity, requiring responsible use and fair access.
- Highlights dignity of work and the need to retrain workers as energy industries evolve.
Season of Creation: From Sept 1 to Oct 4 (Feast of St. Francis), a time for spiritual and corporal acts of mercy toward creation and the vulnerable.
Model of St. Francis: His compassion for the poor and creation serves as an example of concrete acts of tenderness and mercy.