“Creation Day”, also known as “Feast of Creation” or “World Day of Prayer for Creation”, is an important Christian celebration that takes place annually on September 1st, or the following Sunday (which this year happens on September 7th). 

Originally inspired by an ancient liturgical tradition of the Orthodox Church, in place since the 5th century, nearly all major denominations now join the annual observance, celebrating God as Creator and the great mystery of creation, while also inspiring us to care for the gift of the created world. In our case, it was Pope Francis who instituted it as a world day of prayer for the universal Catholic Church in 2015. 

A wonderful new video by the World Council of Churches summarizes the rich history and symbolism of the feast.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of both the world day of prayer and the Laudato Si’ encyclical, let us celebrate Creation Day in our parishes and communities. As it happens, Pope Leo XIV recently gifted us the new “Creation Mass”, which enables us to celebrate Creation Day even more intentionally this year, around the altar. 

Besides being a moment to repent for our desecration of the gift of the created world and pray for its healing, the feast celebrates Creation as a foundational mystery of our Christian faith. In fact, as we also commemorate the 1700 years of Nicaea in 2025, Creation Day is an opportunity to celebrate the Creed’s proclamation of our faith in the Triune God as Creator – in “the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth”, in Christ “through [whom] all things were made”, and in the Holy Spirit, “the giver of life”. 

We encourage everyone to join the online ecumenical prayer service on September 1st and celebrate the feast locally, as well as the larger Season of Creation. More details and useful resources are available at www.FeastOfCreation.com

May this very special feast, the Feast of Creation, renew our commitment to bring to life the message of Laudato Si’ and truly honor God as Creator.