In a press conference held at the Vatican Fr. Alberto Ravagnati remarked “Incorporating the theme of caring for Creation into youth ministry is essential for shaping the faith of future generations.” We strongly believe involving the youth in care for creation activities is essential as exemplified by the works of our Laudato Si Clubs in Schools, Universities, and Dioceses (Parish Youth Ministry).
Key Take Aways
As we look towards implementing the season of creation with our youth focusing on Reflection and Action Guided by our Motto: United for Climate Action. This year’s season of creation will be a turning point with many activities including the One Million tree planting drive and, the Laudato Si Festival with activities like (Mass, Community engagement, Debates, exhibitions, etc.
Sr. Alessandra Smerilli also emphasized, “Ecological conversion, like any experience of conversion, is a spiritual event with visible, concrete repercussions.” by this she highlighted the significance of ecological conversion as a spiritual transformation with tangible, real-world impacts. The Laudato Youth Initiative underscores the importance of this message.
The Pope’s Message:
From the Pope’s Message, we learn that “Hope and Act with Creation” is the powerful theme of the upcoming World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on 1 September 2024. Drawing inspiration from Saint Paul’s profound words in Romans (8:19-25), this theme invites us to embrace a transformative journey of faith, charity, and hope in Christ that must inspire us to bear fruit through action a value the Laudato Youth Initiative Stands to witness.
As believers, and youth we learn from the Pope’s message that our faith is not mere belief in the transcendent, but a profound connection to the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is this Spirit that ignites the flame of love within us, urging us towards eternal goods and a life of creative charity. Through the Spirit, we find the courage to embark on a path of spiritual freedom, guided by the love of God poured into our hearts.
In a world where the tension between the Spirit’s wisdom and worldly values persists said the Pope, we are called to embody the first fruit of the Spirit – love. Led by the Spirit, we are empowered as children of God, able to cry out to Him as Jesus did, free from the fear of death, and filled with the hope of salvation. This hope, rooted in God’s triumph of love, assures us of future glory even in the face of physical death.
He added that our faith, active in charity and abounding in hope, propels us towards the anticipation of the Lord’s return in glory. As we navigate the groaning of creation and the struggles of humanity, our steadfast hope in Christ remains unwavering. It is a hope that transcends tribulations, a patient expectation to that of visionary believers like Joachim of Fiore, who dared to dream of universal fraternity and peace.
The message also emphasizes that the salvation of humanity in Christ offers a sure hope for the liberation of creation itself. As we await the glorious return of Jesus, the Holy Spirit guides our steps toward conversion and a renewed commitment to caring for the environment. It is a call to humility, a departure from the arrogance of dominion towards a path of stewardship and integral ecology.
He guided us that to hope and act with creation is to join hands with all people of goodwill, embracing an ethical limit on the unchecked power that threatens humanity and nature. It is a collaborative effort to rethink human power, its meaning, and its limits, redirecting it towards peace and integral development.
The Message of the Holy Father explains the intersection of the mystery of man and the mystery of God, where the protection of creation emerges as a theological imperative. It is a creative act grounded in the love of God that calls us to promote justice, peace, and the universal destination of goods. Our faith in Christ compels us towards a future of blessedness, peace, and eternal glory he said.
Dear friends, as we reflect on this message, we have received for the World Day of Prayer for the Season of Creation let us embody an incarnational faith, as inspired, may our sharing in the suffering and hope-filled “flesh” of others, we move towards the fullness of holiness in Christ. Our lives become a harmonious symphony of love for God, humanity, and creation, resonating with the promise of bodily resurrection and eternal life.
Br. Adolf
Reflections on the message of the season of creation 2024
