My grandfather had a deep love of nature, he had collections of rocks, shells and worked in nurseries in his later life, he even looked after the gardens at King Edward Park before he retired. This love was passed to my mother who still today has a beautiful garden and in turn, this love has been passed on to me.
There is something magical about being in nature, the smells, the colours, the organic shapes, I am always inspired by creation, but also believe it is something that we cannot take for granted. The earth is the artists palette there is so many colours and materials that derive from our natural world. There is much to celebrate, rejoice and be grateful for during this Season of Creation.
This year we invite you during this season to connect with nature through reflection on scripture and Catholic tradition. This helps us to grow within ourselves a commitment to action. You are invited to access 7 Days of Creation Scriptural Prayers and Reflection. Over 7 days this resource offers points for reflection and prayers based on Scripture. We remind ourselves of the ongoing creative actions of God in loving kindness shown in the first twelve chapter of Genesis. To access this resource go to: 7 Days of Creation- Scriptural Prayers and Reflection
This year we see direct links between the Season of Creation, the 2021-2022 Social Justice Statement, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the poor, which both include a link to the Laudato si Action Platform.
The Season of Creation theme for 2021 is A Home for all? Renewing the Oikos of God. Oikos is the Greek word for “home,” or “household.” By rooting the theme in the concept of oikos, we celebrate the integral web of relationships that sustain the well-being of the Earth. This year’s symbol, Abraham’s tent, signifies our commitment to safeguard a place for all who share our common home, just as Abraham did in the Book of Genesis.
In the Social Justice Statement, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the poor, Pope Francis reminds us that encounter, dialogue, and listening with an open heart enable God’s transforming love to move more powerfully in the world. Yet when faced with complex interrelated crises – the pandemic, the ecological crisis, the economic crisis, hunger, threats to peace and security, we can find ourselves overwhelmed by information or bogged down in disagreements about details. In the statement we hear the true stories of people’s experience, look at reality through the eyes of those most affected, and listen with an open heart to the stories that they tell. Our task is to listen to people, to the earth, and to all of God’s creation, since every created thing is interconnected, speaks of the wellbeing of each part and of the whole, and reveals something of the Creator.
It is important throughout the whole year that we welcome the stranger, show hospitality, listen to our neighbour, assist in crisis and show care for creation. The Laudato si Action Platform presents a guideline of how we can do these things, it is our responsibility to learn and to be formed so how we live our life is a reflection of God’s plan.
There are several events which you are encouraged to attend.
Season of Creation Celebration:
We can learn more about this year’s Season of Creation theme from Father Anthony Coloma (Assistant Priest, The Catholic Parishes of Branxton, Greta and Singleton), Louise Campbell (Aboriginal Educational Officer), John Sandy (Multicultural family support worker) and Mary-Anne DeLuca (Mission and Outreach officer).
We will also view the creations from the finalists of the film competition and the winner will be announced at this event.
The Parishes in Harmony with Creation:
These sessions focus on Laudato si Action Platform.
To register for these events, go to:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/diocese-of-maitland-newcastle-18080128129