Pope Francis has declared September 1st as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The Holy Father has appealed to all catholics to observe this day as a day of prayer, so that we can become aware of our Christian vocation to be stewards of God's Creation. I invite all our faithful to join Pope Francis in this day of prayer to invoke God's help for the protection of God's Creation.
In his Encyclical Laudato Si', the Holy Father reminds us that "the ecological crisis summons us to a profound spiritual conversation: Christians are called to an ecological conversation, whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ becomes evident in their relationship with the world around them." (217)
In prayer and in the Sacraments, we encounter Christ who gives us strength to overcome all hardships and challenges. In the midst of the present ecological crisis of climate change and global warming, we place our trust in the Lord who 'makes all things new.' (Rev. 21:5) It is through prayer we ask God for HIs grace and assistance.
This year, September 1st is also the first Friday of the month. We can come together as a family and thank God for the abundance of blessings we have received from our Creator. I request our parishes to use the Holy half-hour prepared by the Archdiocesan Office of Environment for this occasion. May God Bless you all.
Oswald Cardinal Gracias Archbishop of Bombay August 16, 2017