Season of Creation 2026: Upcoming Events and Celebrations
We have highlighted several faith-based ecological events for the Season of Creation 2026, ranging from an opening papal Mass at Castel Gandolfo to interactive dialogues and the 40th anniversary celebration of Marianist Brother Don Geiger Eastern Tallgrass Prairie for the Marianist Family from September through early October.
The Season of Creation, also known as Creationtide, is a global ecumenical observance that unites Christians in prayer and action for environmental protection. Held annually from September 1 to October 4, the season concludes on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and peace. The September 1 start date originated in 1989 when the Orthodox Christian Church established it as the Day of Prayer for Creation, aligning with the first day of the Orthodox ecclesiastical year and the Genesis creation narrative. In 2015, coinciding with his Laudato Si’ encyclical, Pope Francis designated September 1 as a World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation for the worldwide Catholic Church.
At the start of the Season of Creation, there will be a special Mass for the Care of Creation presided over by Pope Leo XIV at Borgo Laudato Si’ in Castel Gandolfo on September 1, 2026. Read Pope Leo’s message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
For the Marianist Family, the Season of Creation 2026 will include several focused educational and interactive programs. Throughout the season, participants can attend a presentation on Transformative Mary Gardens on September 12, an evening Zoom dialogue hosted by MEEC and the MSJC Integral Ecology team on September 30, and a two-day Prairie Anniversary celebration on October 2 and 3. This two-day event features tours, guest speakers, and outdoor activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Marianist Brother Don Geiger Eastern Tallgrass Prairie at Marianist Nature Preserve in Mount St. John, Dayton, OH.
Click the links for more information
September 12
Transformative Mary Gardens in the Age of Laudato Si
September 30
Season of Creation Zoom dialogue facilitated by MEEC and MSJC Integral Ecology Team
October 2 and 3, 2026, Prairie Anniversary