Feast of St Francis

Global Catholic Climate Movement
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Happy Feast of St. Francis!

Today is the last day in the Season of Creation. Throughout the season, Christians around the world have united in action and prayer to protect Creation.

ACTAlong with thousands of Catholic people, Catholic institutions have taken a major leap forward in protecting Creation. The Global Catholic Climate Movement is proud to announce Catholic institutions’ largest-ever joint divestment from fossil fuels.
Today, a coalition of 40 institutions announces its divestment. This group includes:

• the first-ever divestment of a bishops’ conference (in Belgium),
• a group of highly significant institutions in Assisi, the home of St. Francis (the diocese, the Sacro Convento, the Seraphic Institute, and even the town itself),
• one of the world’s first acts of divestment by a Catholic bank,
• and many more, including an archdiocese, a university, and religious orders. Read the full list here.

We are incredibly grateful for the spirit of unity and commitment these institutions have shown.  As Fr. Richard Rohr says about the divestment of the Center for Action and Contemplation, “Divestment is a deeply spiritual act.”

You are invited to celebrate the news of divestment by sharing on social media and by visiting the invest-divest hub, where you will find resources to start the conversation about divestment in your own institution.

PRAYAs we reflect on the powerful action taken by these 40 institutions and by the thousands of Catholics around the world during this Season of Creation, I’d like to invite you to spend time in prayer.

This morning at 10 AM Eastern, please join Fr. Richard Rohr of the Center for Action and Contemplation and bishops from the Orthodox, Catholic, and Lutheran traditions. This special online prayer service will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis and the end of Season of Creation. We’ll share prayer, petition, and reflection on our warming world. Please register to join us.

However you celebrate the day, we invite you to set aside time for prayer in contemplation of St. Francis and his witness. In prayer, we find the strength and peace we need to work for climate justice. As St. Francis himself said, “Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society.”

The divesting institutions have acted in that spirit.  Congratulations to them, and to the entire faith community.  The Season of Creation has shown that people of faith are united in protecting Creation.

With gratitude,
Christina on behalf of GCCM