2026-08-14
Dear Jerry,
This month, we pray for all those suffering from the heatwaves affecting Europe, and that, overcoming doubts and divisions, humanity may respond with unity and urgency to care for our common home.
Listening is the first step of ecological conversion. Before we change the world, we must learn to hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor--to recognize God's presence in every stream, every forest, every neighbor, and every community longing for justice, peace, and renewed hope.
As we prepare our hearts for the Season of Creation, may we rediscover that prayer is never an escape from the world's suffering. Rather, it opens our hearts to love more deeply and act more courageously, uniting every suffering to that of Christ. Every act of contemplation can become an act of conversion, and every prayer can become the beginning of love in action.
Love That Becomes Action
The people who shape our faith are rarely remembered for extraordinary achievements, but because they made Christ's love visible through simple acts of kindness.
That is the invitation at the heart of Pope Francis' encyclical Dilexit Nos: to encounter the Heart of Christ, be drawn into communion with God, one another, and all creation, and allow the love we receive to become love shared.
Discover our new Dilexit Nos Parish Reflection Guide, designed to help small groups gather around Scripture, prayer, and conversation as contemplation becomes mission.
Read the reflection and download the guide
Monthly Prayer Guide
This month's Prayer Guide invites us to slow down and listen more deeply--to God, to creation, and to one another.
Together, we pray for all those suffering from the heatwaves affecting Europe, and that, overcoming doubt and division, humanity may respond with unity and urgency to care for our common home.
This month we also journey alongside Laura Ruggeri, Laudato Si' Animator from Rometta, Italy, whose ecological conversion began in childhood. Growing up between the forests of the Sila mountains and the Tyrrhenian coast of Sicily, she discovered that wonder is often the first step toward caring for creation.
Take a moment to reflect: Where do I experience God's presence in creation today?
Explore the August Prayer Guide
Living Water Begins with Us
Preparing for the Season of Creation is about more than planning events--it's about preparing our hearts.
Many of us carry ecological grief: concern for our children, sorrow as forests burn and rivers disappear, or heartbreak for communities already living with the impacts of climate change.
This is the journey that Living Water invites us into. When we bring our grief to God together, it becomes hope. And hope becomes action.
As you begin preparing for the Season of Creation, explore resources designed to help your parish, family, school, or community pray, reflect, and celebrate together--including the Celebration Guide, Living Water retreat, Bowl of Tears prayer experience, and inspiring stories of hope from around the world.
Global witness of Hope in the Living Water
Immersion in the Bowl of Tears: When Our Grief Becomes Living Water
The importance of preparing together
Retreat on Living water
Thank you for being part of this global community. Your prayers, actions and generosity continue to strengthen the Laudato Si' Movement and its mission around the world.
If you can, please consider making a donation in support of this work.
The Season of Creation is just around the corner.
May these reflections prepare your heart to listen, your hands to serve, and your community to become a living witness of hope for all creation.
We'll journey together soon.
Christina Leano
Associate Director
Laudato Si' Movement