Season of Creation 2026: Living Water

The Season of Creation takes place from 1 September to 4 October, bringing Christians throughout the world together in prayer, reflection and action for the care of our common home.

The theme for 2026 is Living Water, inspired by the vision of hope and renewal found in the Book of Ezekiel:

"Wherever the river flows, every living creature that swarms will live… and everything will live where the river goes."

Ezekiel 47:9

Living water flows from God's sanctuary, bringing healing and new life. The vision reminds us that water is not simply a resource to be used, but a gift from God that sustains people, communities and the whole of creation. 

Video: Faith leaders invite you to the 2026 Season of Creation

Celebrating the Season of Creation in your parish

Parishes are encouraged to dedicate a Sunday during September to the Season of Creation. This might include prayer and reflection on the gift of water, remembering communities affected by drought or flooding, and considering practical ways in which the parish can care for creation.

Resources prepared by the Laudato Si' Working Group of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference and Trócaire include:

• Sunday liturgy notes, homily material and prayers of the faithful;
• resources for the Mass for the Care of Creation;
• the Season of Creation prayer;
• a river ritual and meditation;
• activities for children and young people;
• an ecological Rosary;
• a Creation Walk;
• tree-planting resources; and
• a Blessing of Animals for the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Resources for parishes:

What is Laudato Si’?

Pope Francis' encyclical letter Laudato Si’ - Care of our common home' is addressed to "every person living on this planet". Laudato Si' was published on 18 June 2015, in eight languages. At the time, many held great hopes that it would be a powerful voice of influence in three major UN moments, one of which was the UNFCCC Paris Agreement on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

What is an encyclical?
An encyclical is a letter circulated by the Pope to Catholic churches worldwide. It is sent directly from our Holy Father in Rome to Catholics all over the world and is often addressed to all people of good will, namely non-Catholics who may also want to read the document. Pope Francis' encyclical 'Laudato Si' - Care of our common home' is addressed to "every person living on this planet".

Where can I see the Laudato Si’ letter?
The encyclical letter 'Laudato Si' is published on the Vatican website - click here to view.