Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, starting Wednesday, April 22. Here are resources to pray, study, and act for a renewed commitment to integral ecology and a sustainable future for our planet. In this incredible moment of global vulnerability and solidarity during this pandemic, let’s come together for the Earth and for each other.
Pray
"God of all creation, your goodness and glory shine forth through everything you have made. Through the light of faith, help us to see this world, our common home, not as a resource to dominate and exploit, but as a gift to be cherished by all generations. Prompted by your Spirit, we ask this in the name of Jesus, through whom all creation was made. Amen." – From Catholic Charities USA
"God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight. Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out. O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty. Praise be to you! Amen." – A Christian prayer in union with creation, Pope Francis, Laudato Si’
Study
- Learn why 2020 is a pivotal year for climate action, even during the pandemic.
- On this 50th anniversary, read about the history of Earth Day.
Act
Although we cannot gather in person to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, many exciting events have been moved online:
• Earth Day Live will broadcast three days of live programming, beginning on Earth Day, April 22. The first day of programming will celebrate youth and indigenous voices, the second will include actions to push for fossil fuel divestment, and the third will call for political mobilization.
• The Earth Day Network is hosting 24 hours of action on April 22. Every hour, on the hour, they will offer new ways you can take action for climate justice. They are also highlighting the work of faith groups to mobilize for climate justice and offer extensive resources for engagement by faith communities.
• The Catholic Climate Covenant is offering a free, one-hour educational online program designed to complement the Earth Day Network’s 50th anniversary theme, “Climate Action,” and help commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Pope’s encyclical letter, Laudato Si’.
• You can make your own contribution to the Earth Day celebration through the Catholic Climate Covenant’s “Hope for Creation” project. Submit a poem, song, essay, photo, video – any creative expression you’d like.