Each year from 1 September to 4 October, Christians around the world unite in prayer, reflection and action during the Season of Creation. This ecumenical celebration invites us to deepen our relationship with God, one another, and the whole of creation, while responding to the environmental challenges facing our world.
The theme for Season of Creation 2026 is ‘Living Water.’ Drawing on the vision of Ezekiel 47:1-12, the theme reflects God’s life-giving water flowing from the temple, bringing restoration wherever it goes. In Ezekiel’s vision, the river grows deeper and deeper, transforming barren land, reviving damaged waters, and sustaining flourishing ecosystems.
Pope Leo XIV’s Message for the Care of Creation
Care for Creation is Care for Life
In his message for the 2026 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that the gift of life is at the heart of the Gospel. Caring for the earth that sustains life is an act of praise to God and an essential part of our Christian mission.
Peace, Justice and the Environment
The Pope highlights the strong connection between war, human suffering and environmental damage. Armed conflict not only harms people and communities but also destroys ecosystems, contaminates water and air, and threatens food security. He calls us to recognise that the pursuit of peace and the care of creation go hand in hand.
A Call to Ecological Conversion
Pope Leo XIV teaches that the roots of both conflict and environmental degradation lie in the human heart. True change requires a deeper conversion to God that transforms how we relate to one another and to creation. He encourages Christians to embrace an “ecological conversion” that leads to renewed care for people and the natural world.
Building a Culture of Peace
Reflecting on Isaiah’s vision of beating “swords into plowshares”, the Holy Father invites us to work for a world where resources are directed towards human dignity, overcoming poverty and protecting creation. He reminds us that peace is built through truth, justice, mercy, dialogue, care and love.
A Hope for Renewal
As we celebrate the Season of Creation, Pope Leo XIV encourages all people of faith to become partners in God’s work of renewal, helping to transform “desert to garden, division to communion, and violence to peace.”
Prayer for the Season of Creation
As part of this year’s Season of Creation, Catholics around the world are invited to pray with the 2026 prayer Living Water, inspired by Ezekiel’s vision of God’s life-giving river bringing healing and renewal to creation. The prayer calls us to gratitude for the gift of water, repentance for environmental harm, and commitment to caring for our common home.
Season of Creation 2026 Celebration Guide
The Season of Creation Ecumenical Steering Committee has put together a celebration guide for 2026, with the aim of helping individiuals and groups learn about and plan for the season.
It includes ideas for prayer, including an ecumenical service and ways to incorporate and reflect on this year’s theme and symbol.
You can access the celebration guide here.
They have also put together a resource for children and young people – find it here.
More resources, including webinars and prayer services, sample promotional materials, and the official Season of Creation social media channels, are available at https://seasonofcreation.org.
