Christians Observe World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1
- Carrie Dedrick
- Updated Sep 01, 2016
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Catholics and Orthodox Christians around the world are observing the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation today (Sept. 1). The day is a celebration of the beauty of creation and intended to raise awareness for Christians’ role as stewards of creation.
Pope Francis announced in 2015 that the Catholic Church would join in observance of the day, according to Catholic Culture.org.
In the announcement Francis said, "The annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation will offer individual believers and communities a fitting opportunity to reaffirm their personal vocation to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful handiwork which he has entrusted to our care, and to implore his help for the protection of creation as well as his pardon for the sins committed against the world in which we live. The celebration of this Day, on the same date as the Orthodox Church, will be a valuable opportunity to bear witness to our growing communion with our Orthodox brothers and sisters.”
In celebration of the day, Francis delivered a special message which can be read here.
Publication date: September 1, 2016