22 APRIL 2021 - Catholic Prayer for Earth Day -

This week on April 22 we commemorate Earth Day.  We as Catholics are to align the spirit of Earth Day to the spirit of God's love and mercy.   Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin had the original inspiration to start Earth Day back in 1970.   Unfortunately, like a lot of things, it perhaps is a day that has been politicized too much.  But, indeed, we in our faith, in the spirit of St Francis of Assisi and many recent popes, including Pope Francis, are called to look at the ways we as individuals and as a society take care of God’s creation and of the many gifts we have here on earth.  I would like to share a prayer that I have adapted from the Sisters of Mercy and the Catholic Health Association in honor of earth day: 

Let us pray: 

      We are called to see ourselves and each other as earthen vessels created by God.  As earthen vessels, we are called to care for God’s gifts in the world.  Our world is fragile and in need of our love, support, and good stewardship.  May our hands align with God's hands in caring for his creation here on earth.  Let us pray for: 

- Trees, plants, crops, and forests.  

-  Rivers, Oceans, streams, lakes, and ponds. 

-  Air, wind, and weather.

-  Sun, clean energy, and prevention of global warming. 

-  Animals, especially those animals that are endangered. 

-  All humankind.  

- Recycling and prudent and moderate personal consumption. 

 - Proper use of chemicals and disposal of toxic waste. 

-  The earth and the unity of creation .  

      Creator God, we thank you for all of creation. We ask your forgiveness for the times we have failed to be good stewards. We ask for your guidance in restoring the face of the earth. May we learn to live in harmony and in the just sharing of resources among all so that we may work toward the kingdom of God.  Peace be to this community. Peace be to this land. Peace be to all people. Peace to all of creation.  In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  AMEN.