Season of Creation begins with World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1
A Global Celebration of Faith and Creation
On September 1, Catholics around the world will observe the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, an annual day of gratitude, reflection and action focused on caring for our common home. The day also marks the beginning of the Season of Creation, an ecumenical celebration observed from September 1 through October 4, the ending on the day of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
This year, Sister Sara Tarango, Providence's environmental stewardship liaison and a Sister of St. Joseph of Orange, has been invited to travel to Rome to participate in events connected to this global observance. During her visit, she will attend the World Day of Prayer Mass, explore educational programs at the Laudato Si' Village and learn alongside others who are advancing care for creation through faith and action.
Her visit comes during a significant moment for the global Church as communities reflect on how faith can inspire healing, hope and environmental stewardship.
Bringing Inspiration Back to Providence
Environmental stewardship is rooted in Providence's Mission and commitment to our vision of Health for a Better World. As a Catholic health care ministry, we recognize that environmental and human health are deeply interconnected. Providence's work to reduce waste, conserve resources, strengthen climate resilience and support healthier communities is an expression of our healing ministry.
"The health of our environment and human health are interconnected. Caring for creation is part of how we care for one another," says Sister Sara.
That conviction shapes how she approaches environmental stewardship and helps connect this work to Providence's Mission of serving all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable.
A Call to Care for Our Common Home
The 2026 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation theme, selected by Pope Leo XIV, is "They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks" (Isaiah 2:4). The theme highlights the connection between peace, human flourishing and care for the Earth.
For Sister Sara, caring for creation is both a spiritual practice and a response to the challenges facing our world today.
"Sister Mother Earth, a term used by St. Francis of Assisi for our planet, is crying out for healing," she says. "Our water, air and soil are facing increased levels of contamination. Who better to understand the need for healing than a health care organization?"
The invitation of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, she says, is simple: commit or recommit to being good stewards of creation, give thanks for the gift of creation and offer prayers for the protection of God's abundant creation.
Deepening Our Relationship with Creation
As the Season of Creation begins, Sister Sara encourages everyone to spend time nurturing their relationship with the natural world.
"Just as we dedicate time to getting to know the people around us better, the same is true for our relationship with creation," she says.
This message echoes a theme she frequently shares in her Heartwiring reflections, monthly interactive reflections shared in Providence’s internal Environmental Stewardship Newsletter. Relationships require time, attention and presence. The same is true of our relationship with the Earth.
She offers a simple challenge: Spend time outdoors without distractions. Sit beside a favorite tree, walk along a creek, or find a quiet place to simply notice the world around you.
"Imagine having a conversation with your favorite tree, boulder, field or creek," she says. "What would you say? Have fun with this!"
A Season of Hope
The Season of Creation is ultimately an invitation to hope.
Whether through prayer, learning, spending time in nature or taking action to care for our shared home, each of us has a role to play. Small acts of stewardship can contribute to healthier communities, stronger relationships and a more resilient future.
As Providence joins Christians around the world in celebrating the Season of Creation, Sister Sara's journey to Rome serves as a reminder that caring for creation is not separate from our healing mission. It is one way we live our calling to care for the well-being of people, communities and the world we all share.
