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Read about the "Green Catholics" DOSA Season of Creation Gatherings
A Prayer for our Earth
A Prayer for our Earth
By Pope Francis*
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.
* Pope Francis published this prayer in his Laudato Si’ encyclical, and is meant for sharing with all who believe in a God who is the all-powerful Creator.
The Canticle of the Creatures
The Canticle of the Creatures
by St. Francis of Assisi
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord, yours is the praise, the glory and the honor and every blessing.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no one is worthy to speak your name.
Praised be you, my Lord with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day through whom you bring us light.
And he is lovely, shining with great splendor, for he heralds you, Most High.
Praised be you, my Lord, through Sister Moon and Stars. In heaven you have formed them, lightsome and precious and fair.
And praised be you, my Lord, through Brother Wind, through air and cloud, through calm and every weather by which you sustain your creatures.
Praised be you, my Lord, through Sister Water, so very useful and humble, precious and chaste.
Praised be you, my Lord through Brother Fire, by whom you light up the night, and he is handsome and merry, robust and strong.
Praised be you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains us and directs us bringing forth all kinds of fruits and colored flowers and herbs.
Praised be you, my Lord through those who forgive for your love and who bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
Praised be you, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death from whom no living being can escape.
How dreadful for those who die in mortal sin!
How blessed are those she finds in your most holy will for the second death can do them no harm.
O praise and bless my Lord, thank him and serve him humbly but grandly!
A Christian Prayer in Union with Creation
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.
Given in Rome at Saint Peter’s on 24 May, the Solemnity of Pentecost, in the year 2015, the third of my Pontificate. -Pope Francis
Prayer for the Care of the Earth
Prayer for the Care of the Earth
God our Father and Creator, we give you thanks for the wonder of creation which inspires us, the fruit of the Earth, which feeds us, and the joy of life which gives us hope. Heal the places where your creation has been marred, and restore all creatures to the splendor of your glory, that all may delight once again in your goodness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Peaceable Kingdom by Edward Hicks, 1883, PAFA
The Peaceable Kingdom is in our hands.
The Peaceable Kingdom is in our hands.
Awaken, my heart, God's reign is near;
the Peaceable Kingdom is in my hands.
If the wolf can be the guest of the lamb,
and the bear and cow be friends,
then no injury or hate can be a guest within the kingdom of my heart.
Eden's peace and harmony will only return
when first, in my heart, there hides no harm or ruin,
for the Peaceable Kingdom is in my hands.
Isaiah's dream became Jesus' vision:
"Come, follow me," Emmanuel's echo rings.
"Reform your life, recover Eden's peace,"
for only then will salvation appear.
For Advent's dream is the healing of earth,
when the eagle and bear become friends,
the child and the serpent playmates.
Arise, awaken, my heart,
the Peaceable Kingdom is in your hands.
Psalms for Sacred Seasons, "Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim," Edward Hays
COP26 NOVENA
COP26 NOVENA
The 26th Annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) met in Glasgow October 31 to November 12. There, leaders from over 200 countries worked toward measurable solutions for climate change. This was an opening for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. Join the ongoing NOVENA prayer for the Earth.
Novena for our Common Home
Novena for our Common Home
Loving God, we praise your name with all you have created. You are present in the whole universe, and in the smallest of creatures. We acknowledge the responsibilities you have placed upon us as stewards of your creation. May the Holy Spirit inspire all political leaders as they seek to embrace the changes needed to foster a more sustainable society. Instill in them the courage and gentleness to implement fairer solutions for the poorest and most vulnerable, and commit their nations to the care of Our Common Home. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen.
“We have inherited a garden; we must not leave a desert to our children.” ~ Pope Francis
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