Every September 1, we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, a time to reflect on the marvelous act of God in creating the cosmos and everything that flows from it: nature, animals, and our brothers and sisters who share this pilgrimage that is life.
This day invites us to pray for our common home and to assume responsibility for the care of all creation. This year, Pope Leo called us to move from words to action, for “by working with dedication and tenderness, many seeds of justice can sprout, thus contributing to peace and hope. Sometimes it takes years for a tree to bear its first fruits, years that involve a whole ecosystem in continuity, fidelity, collaboration, and love—especially when this love becomes a reflection of the self-giving Love of God” (Message of the Holy Father for the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation).
Our response as the Sisters Hospitallers
As Sisters Hospitallers, we join this call with a spirit of hospitality that transcends human boundaries to embrace all of creation. In our daily mission, we seek to be witnesses of God’s love through the integral care of people, especially the most vulnerable, and we extend that same care to the environment, aware that our health and well-being are intrinsically linked to the health of our planet.
We promote sustainable practices in our communities and centers of care, inspired by a living faith that recognizes in creation the loving work of God. In this way, we respond to the call with concrete actions that reflect our commitment to an integral ecology.
On this day of prayer for our common home, we especially remember the words of Saint Benito Menni, founder of our congregation:
“Contemplating the immensity of the ocean, the work of my God’s hands, I feel an ever-growing desire to love my Jesus with all my soul and all my heart.”
May this day inspire us to deepen our love for God through the care of His creation and encourage us to live our mission with responsibility and tenderness toward all life.