Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation

BY KATHRYN YANIK

Director of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation

2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ and the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures. To mark this occasion, Catholic organizations across the country gathered for Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation. These events inspired each of us to recommit to caring for the Earth and one another.

Led by the Catholic Climate Covenant, this initiative, centered on the theme of “pilgrimage,” encouraged participants to walk in nature, pray for ecological healing and reflect on their spiritual connection to God and the Creation. During September and October, the Season of Creation, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and friends from across the U.S. East-West Province gathered on Zoom for our virtual Series of Hope events. All joined in prayer and reflection, celebrating Creation in all its forms and discussing ways to protect these gifts.

While the Season of Creation has passed, we encourage you to continue to be a Pilgrim of Hope. If you are interested in participating in a Pilgrimage, here are a few ideas:

• Plan a Laudato Si’-themed Rosary Walk.
• Reach out to local indigenous communities to collaboratively plan a prayer service or event that honors the sacredness of the land.
• Learn more about Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, who was martyred in response to her work to defend the land and people of the Amazon.
• Promote sustainable action through a letter-writing campaign or by scheduling advocacy visits to your elected officials, whether local or national.

This story is also featured in the Winter 2025 edition of our  Sowing Goodness magazine.