Last night Saint Paul the Apostle Parish NYC Laudato Si (Environmental Care) Team sponsored “A Pilgrimage of Hope” for Creation – part of the International Laudato Si’s efforts in this SEASON OF CREATION (Sept.1 through Oct. 4), an Ecumenical Movement to draw attention to the threat to natural resources and extinction of species. The turnout was low but our Spirits and Hopes were high! Here is a copy of our Prayer Service offered under a magnificent Maple Tree in Central Park’s Sheep Meadow
INTRODUCTION: What is the “Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation” Initiative?
Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation is a faith-filled movement launched by a broad coalition of U.S. Catholic organizations. It is meant to encourage U.S. Catholics to embark on local pilgrimages during the 2025 Jubilee Year to pray for the grace to encounter Christ in creation and restore our relationships with God, creation, and one another.
The initiative is rooted in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, which underscores the importance of caring for the earth as a moral responsibility, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, and the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi.
Why Are Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation Planned for 2025?
The year 2025 marks both the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures and the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si’. To mark this pivotal year, pilgrimages will take place across the U.S. during the Season of Creation (September 1 – October 4, 2025).
What Are the Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation About?
● Healing and restoring our relationship with God, with each other, and with the earth, and cultivating a renewed commitment to caring for creation.
● Rediscovering the beauty of God’s creation through prayer, reflection, and action.
● Opportunities for personal transformation and community-building — from short walks around parish grounds to longer treks through mountains or forests, to visits to places of natural beauty or ecological significance.
● Connecting with impacted communities in your local area.
LET US PRAY:
God, Creator, Source of All Life, All Love, All Hope
We gather here this day as a truly Catholic People – Universally bonded
With ALL OF Christ’s followers from all cultures, each with different attributes, priorities, and different languages, strengths, and weakness,
To offer Thanksgiving for the wonder of this world.
We thank you for the air we breathe, the water we drink – so essential to all the living,
The sun by day, the stars by night,
The wind, the rain, the trees, the blossoms
The grass beneath our feet, and the all the people,
and woodland animals and pets that surround us.
We are united in this and our common humanity
To humbly ask for your guidance to nurture Nature,
Collaborate for the good of earth and all her elements
So that we and future generations may thrive
and find new ways to sing your praises.
Increase in us such faith, hope, and love
That all will cherish your abundant gifts and care for them for all future generations to come! Glory to God in the highest and may Peace reign on the earth.
AWARENESS
Before we go:
- What aspects of Laudato Si are most important to you?
- Who among us utilizes the city parks and how often?
Pilgrimage Prayer: A Prayer for Laudato Si’ Pilgrims of Hope in the Jubilee Year of 2025
God in Heaven,
As we begin our journey today, we pray that You will accept
the efforts we make on this pilgrimage.
We offer it in praise of You
and with love for all that You have created.
Be our companion along the way,
our guide at the crossroads,
our strength in weariness,
our defense in danger, our shelter in heat and cold,
our light in darkness, our comfort in discouragement.
Open our hearts to everything that we encounter,
to see You in our human brothers and sisters
and in every being which You have made –for all things speak of You.
Help us to remember that this pilgrimage is just one step on our journey to you.
We pray in a special way for our new Pope Leo and for his intentions.
Give him the strength and wisdom he needs to guide your pilgrim Church on earth.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
On the Walk:
- What appeals most to your senses at this moment in the park? What feelings are evoked?
- We offer Spontaneous Prayers on everything that catches our attention beginning with:
For nurturing the Beauty of the Earth, in gratitude for this park,
In hope of fresh air, clean water for all peoples, and all creatures, we say:
Holy Mary, Mother of God………………….Pray for us
Saint Joseph…………………………………Pray for us
Saints Peter and Paul …………………… Pray for us
Saint James the Apostle……………………Pray for us
Saint Christopher, patron of travelers……………………………….Pray for us
Saint Francis of Assisi………………………….Pray for us
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha…………………………Pray for us
Saint Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael the Archangels…….Pray for us
Saint Carlo Acutis, patron of Young Adults………………………Pray for us
Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, mountain climber and outdoor enthusiast …Pray for us
+Pope Francis, who gave us Laudato Si……………………… Pray for us
Saints Thomas Aquinas, Frances deSales, Don Bosco, patrons of students and
education for all future generations ……………………… Pray for us
ADD YOUR PATRON SAINT HERE:
Saint ____________________________Pray for us
All you holy saints and angels………………Pray for us
We petition these Saints for the ways they imitated and reflected Christ our Lord in their time and place: CHRIST – who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
CONCLUSION: Canticle of Saint Francis of Assisi
Praised be you, my Lord, with all your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
who is the day and through whom you give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour;
and bears a likeness of you, Most High.
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 Brother Wind,
and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather
through whom you give sustenance to your creatures.
Praised be you, my Lord, through Sister Water,
who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.
Praised be you, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom you light the night,
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong”.
frjamesdiluzio 