From St Pope John Paul II on through Pope Francis, Care for Creation has been an integral part of Catholic social teaching. “Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love of our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society…we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures.” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, #91-92) When we do things to protect the earth and care for it, we show reverence for God, the creator of all.
Care for God's Creation
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that direct us to an integral ecology that demands care for the earth and care for the most vulnerable among us.
Related Social Issues
- laws governing corporate and individual use of environmental resources – including:
- and air – which impact all living things
All loving God, thank you for the earth you made. Thank you for the sun, moon and stars that give light. Thank you for the waters that refresh people and the land. For the lakes and seas that give us food for our bodies and our spirits. Thank you for the trees and flowerAll loving God, thank you for the earth you made. Thank you for the sun, moon and stars that give light. Thank you for the waters that refresh people and the land. For the lakes and seas that give us food for our bodies and our spirits. Thank you for the trees and flowers that give us color and beauty. You blessed us with animals – birds, frogs, cows and chickens, elephants, giraffes, lions, squirrels, bees and butterflies, creatures of all sorts to delight and feed us. All your creatures are gifts from your loving hand. Help us to care for them so that all people may enjoy them and know all the good things you have given us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Christian Prayer in Union with Creation (Laudato Si –abridged)
Triune God, 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 in 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!