In preparation for the Season of Creation celebrated annually from September 1 to October 4 the Department for Christian Formation, Liturgy, and Culture of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has put together reflections for the people of God in the three SACBC member states, namely, Botswana, Eswatini and South Africa.

Instituted by Pope Francis in 2015, the Season of Creation is observed annually from September 1 the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, up to October 4 the feast of St. Francis of Assisi the patron saint of ecology.

The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation ‘marks the beginning of an ecumenical outreach bringing Christians to pray and work together in what is called the Season of Creation. The origins of the day also go back to Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios who proclaimed September 1 as Creation Day for the Orthodox in 1989, followed by other Christian European Churches in 2001, and by Pope Francis in 2015’.

The reflections compiled by the SACBC Departments of Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue, Christian Formation, Laity, Family & Youth, Commission for Justice & Peace, MARFAM, and Laudato Si Movement (SA) are offered to the local Church – parishes, schools, sodalities, prayer groups, families and individuals as an aide to deeper reflection, sharing, and action during the Season of Creation.