Creation Care Period begins with focus on environmental stewardship

The annual Creation Care Period, a global Christian observance focused on environmental stewardship and responsibility for the earth, begins on September 1. This period draws inspiration from the encyclical Laudato Si’, in which Pope Francis calls for care of our common home.

In Belgium, Ecokerk has organized events in Antwerp, including a prayer service at the Sacred Heart Church on September 1 and activities at the Antwerp Cathedral on September 6. These events include the planting of a Laudato Si tree and educational games for children regarding biodiversity and pollinators.

In the Netherlands, Bishop Gerard de Korte of ’s-Hertogenbosch has issued a letter to parish boards and pastoral teams urging attention to creation care. He emphasizes that issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and pollution are central to the Christian calling. The Laudato Si' Alliance Netherlands and the GroeneKerken initiative are providing resources to help faith communities implement practical sustainability measures and integrate environmental themes into liturgy and catechesis.