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2026 Season of Creation: Immersed in Living Water September 11th, 2026

(By Maurice Lange, Justice & Peace Director at Presentation Sisters & founder of the Oblate Ecological Initiative)

The world is celebrating the Season of Creation, that runs from September 1 to October 4. It is a time to pray, reflect, and take action for the gift of our common home.

This year’s theme, “Living Water,” is based on Ezekiel 47:9,12, which invites Christians to recognize water as a source of life and a precious gift from God. It also reminds us that our care for creation is deeply connected to our care for one another.

These reflections are inspired by Pope Leo’s 2026 letter for the Season of Creation. Each ponders 1 of 9 topics in Leo’s writing, with focus given to the 2026 theme of “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.

“The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the symptoms of sickness evident in the soil, in the water, in the air and in all forms of life.” (Laudato Si #2)

READ: 4th part of Pope Leo’s letter for the 2026 Season of Creation (view PDF)

REFLECTION: How is your heart this Season of Creation? : Similar to the season of Lent, our observance of the Season of Creation has the ability to center us. Our special focusing these 34 days brings us to the heart. “…the human heart…the center of the person – the place where reason, desire, will and conscience converge.” Pope Leo points our attention to the condition of the human heart being linked to Earth’s degradation and war’s wounds. Such outward torment belies interior discord, division and distortion.

* What integral ecology project, initiative or ministry inspires & challenges you?
* Where might you be feeling divided, distorted?
* What are you attending to?

ACTION: What if our culture spent some percentage of its time on healing of the heart as it does on social media?! It is this healing or “conversion of heart” that Leo calls for. To assist us in this conversion, I encourage you to make time for prayer in this regard: sit peacefully with this recent, deeply meaningful Hiroshima/ Nagasaki prayer service – co-sponsored by our Presentation Sisters.

DOWNLOAD FULL REFLECTION

Visit the Presentation Sisters, US Province’s WEBSITE

READ MORE OF MAURICE’S WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

2026 Season of Creation Activities @ Sacred Heart Church September 8th, 2026

Celebrating the Season of Creation (September 1 – October 4, 2026) @ Sacred Heart Church, Oakland, CA

The GreenTeam at Sacred Heart Church is continuing to mark the 2026 Season of Creation with activities throughout September and into October.

These beautiful banners, displayed in the church garden this weekend, are just one visible reminder of this special season.

There’s something happening almost every week, with opportunities to gather, reflect, learn, and take action.

FULL CALENDAR: https://bit.ly/4xAeTgf

OMI Bangladesh: Tree Plantation Fair & Fruit Festival July 15th, 2026

(Contributed by Fr. Valentine Talang, OMI()

In the spirit of Laudato Si St. Eugene’s School in Dhaka City, Bangladesh and the Oblate Scholasticate community organized “Tree Plantation Fair and Fruit Festival – 2026.” The students and parents have learnt the importance of trees and fruits in our daily lives. The Trees provide us with oxygen, shade, and a healthy environment, while fruits give us essential nutrients.

In this event, the Oblates in Bangladesh encouraged our students to plant more trees and enjoy good fruits. It also encouraged them to love and protect our Mother Earth.

A Visit to Three Part Harmony Farm June 22nd, 2026

The Missionary Oblates and Three-Part Harmony Farm (located on the grounds of the Oblate Administrative Offices in Washington, DC) have enjoyed a partnership of over 10 years.

On a summer day this past weekend, Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI visited the farm and met with Gail Taylor, Owner and Operator of Three-Part Harmony Farm.

2026 Spring Open House @ Three Part Harmony Farm April 28th, 2026

The Spring Open House at Three Part Harmony Farm on the grounds of OMI Administrative offices in Washington, DC over the weekend was a celebration. Visitors were treated to delicious snacks served with Ethiopian coffee, hibiscus tea, and lemonade. There were also workshops and games for entertainment.

WEBSITE: https://www.threepartharmonyfarm.org/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/3phfarm/