Care for our common home

For the world we were given to look after.

The first job given to humanity in Genesis was to till and keep a garden. Care for creation is not a modern add-on to Catholic teaching; it is the oldest instruction in Scripture, and the Church has returned to it with some urgency.

The Prayer

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.

Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognise 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. Amen.

The Canticle of the Creatures

Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
who brings the day, and light You give to us through him.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars;
in heaven You formed them, clear and precious and beautiful.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains and governs us,
and produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs.

— St. Francis of Assisi

About This Prayer

The first prayer is from Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which takes its title from St. Francis’ canticle. The Season of Creation is kept from 1 September to 4 October, the feast of St. Francis. Prayer here is meant to lead to action; the encyclical is blunt that it is worth nothing otherwise.