Catholic All Week

Pope Leo has chosen a very different theme for the 2026 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, celebrated on Sept. 1: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks” (Is 2:4). The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development said the Holy Father’s message focuses on how armed conflicts violate our duty to care for creation by destroying the natural world and threatening the lives of millions of people.

Pray for peace

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops noted, “American Catholics … are learning more, caring more, and doing more about the environment and threats to it. As a community of faith, we are also seeking to understand more clearly the ethical and religious dimensions of this challenge.” One of the most powerful things we can do as Catholics is to pray for both care for creation and for world leaders to find peaceful solutions to disputes. Prayers, Scripture readings and more for both topics can be found on the USCCB website.

Help those affected

The Vatican’s statement on this year’s theme said the passage from the prophet Isaiah “is an explicit invitation to prioritize development and sustainability over violence and destruction.” You can learn more about these from a Catholic perspective on the USCCB website. Consider volunteering or financially assisting Catholic organizations that are aiding those affected by violence or those working to eliminate the systemic poverty that can lead to conflicts.

Clean up your environment

While individuals may feel limited in how much we can impact global issues, we can take ownership of the creation in our literal backyards. Whether it’s hanging up a bird feeder, helping to remove litter from a nearby stream, cleaning up a section of roadway or volunteering at a church or community garden, take the time and make the effort to care for nature.

Catholic All Week

The lazy days of summer are the perfect time to catch up on your reading list, whether you are sitting on the sand or sheltering in air-conditioned comfort. Rather than settling for a pop culture title that might not reflect religious values, why not dig into the works of a Christian author? Here are a few well-known 20th-century authors and the ideal “gateway” work to help you see the world – and faith – through their eyes.

Hilaire Belloc

Hilaire Belloc is widely known for his famous quote: “Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine, there’s always laughter and good red wine.” The orator, political activist, essayist and poet wrote more than 150 books. His versatility as a writer and lively sense of humor make him a pleasure to read. “The Path to Rome” is a travelog about walking from France to Rome to reaffirm his faith that blends anecdotes, philosophy and reflection with humor. His children’s verses, including “The Bad Child’s Book of Beasts and Cautionary Tales” may remind you of Roald Dahl or the Lemony Snicket stories.

J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien is often called the father of modern fantasy, but his worldview was rooted in his Catholic faith and he regarded the story of salvation as the greatest tale ever told. His hobby of inventing languages and accompanying myths gradually led to the epic adventures of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” To dive into a shorter work by Tolkien, read his essay “On Fairy Stories,” which gives insights into his philosophy on fantasy. “Leaf by Niggle” is a short allegory about life and redemption that explores the bond between an artist and God.

C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis was a reluctant Christian convert – conversations with his friend, J.R.R. Tolkein, brought him to the faith – who experts say has arguably done more to explain Christianity than any other modern author. Lewis understands the human condition. No matter the audience, from children to those who share his initial skepticism, he is able to find the perfect example to illustrate his point. His classic “The Chronicles of Narnia,” is worth re-reading at any age, while his science fiction trilogy for adults, which begins with “Out of the Silent Planet,” takes theological underpinnings into outer space. A less well-known story is “The Great Divorce,” which is about a bus ride from hell to heaven that is both inspirational and enlightening.

Catholic All Week

From the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, where he moved to enjoy a period of rest, Pope Leo invited Catholics on July 12 to follow his lead and make time for quiet and prayer during the busy summer months. Here are a few creative ways to savor the season while you bolster your faith.

Grab the good book

In his remarks, Pope Leo encouraged people to spend some time with Scripture. “Let us therefore resolve, especially during these summer days of vacation, to make room for listening to, reading and meditating on the word of God, thereby fostering – together with rest and wholesome recreation – meaningful moments of silence and prayer,” he said. Whether you do so by reading the Bible, listening to a favorite podcast (we have listed a few on our website) or spending some time meditating in Eucharistic Adoration, invest in your spiritual growth.

Retreat into nature

There are few better ways to enjoy silence than by disconnecting and getting away. Whether your preferred setting is a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a beach escape, hiking at a local park or exploring the campuses of Belmont Abbey or the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory, take time to reflect on the beauty of God’s creation.

Have a sweet treat

Did you know there was a gelato flavor created for Pope Leo? World champion Italian gelato maker Eugenio Morrone created a Roman hazelnut cheesecake gelato featuring Chicago-style cheesecake (in honor of the pope’s hometown), Roman hazelnuts (for the seat of the papacy) and a passion fruit and mango sauce (that nods to his time as a missionary). While a trip to Rome may not be on your calendar, a visit to a local ice cream parlor can make late summer a bit sweeter – and cooler.