A nationwide initiative to inspire pilgrimages for healing, faith, and creation care
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Katie Zakrzewski | katie@catholicclimatecovenant.org | 501-618-0234
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Catholic organizations across the United States are coming together to launch Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation, a nationwide movement to encourage individuals and communities to embark on pilgrimages during the 2025 Jubilee Year, focusing on the sacred relationship between humanity and creation.
In this pivotal year, marking both the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures and the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si’, the initiative invites Catholics to rediscover the beauty of God’s creation through prayer, reflection, and action. Pilgrimages will take place across the U.S. during the Season of Creation (September 1 – October 4, 2025), offering opportunities for personal transformation and community-building.
Pilgrims of Hope for Creation will host a virtual launch party on Feb. 18 at 9 AM PT/ 12 PM ET to help Catholics discern their role in this movement. We will hear from leaders in our Church and in communities most impacted by the crisis, about pilgrimage, and more.
You can register for this Zoom launch call now!
This unique initiative invites participants to explore a variety of pilgrimage experiences — from short walks around parish grounds to longer treks through mountains or forests, to visits to places of natural beauty or ecological significance. Wherever these pilgrimages take place, they all share the same mission: to restore our relationship with God, with each other, and with the Earth, and to cultivate a renewed commitment to caring for creation.
“This year, as Catholics, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on our role in creation care. Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation are about healing — healing our connection to the Earth, to one another, and to God. It’s about acknowledging our disconnection and choosing to take tangible steps toward reconciliation. This is not just a journey of the body; it’s a pilgrimage of the soul,” said Dan Misleh, Founder and Executive Director of Catholic Climate Covenant, one of the organizations involved in the Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation initiative.
Catholic individuals, families, faith communities, and organizations are invited to participate in these pilgrimages. Whether joining an existing pilgrimage or organizing one in their own area, participants will have access to resources, guides, and opportunities for spiritual reflection.
“As we take these steps toward healing, we are showing the world that each of us has a role to play in the health of God’s Creation,” said Anna Johnson, the Program Manager for Laudato Si’ Movement – North America. “The Earth needs us, and we need each other. As Pope Francis says, “The world sings of an infinite Love: how can we fail to care for it?” Let’s take the time to listen to this song, and raise our voices alongside.”
To get involved, pilgrims are encouraged to visit http://catholicpilgrimsofhope.org, where they can sign up for email updates, find or start a pilgrimage, and access resources to guide them through their journey.
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About Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation
Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation is a nationwide initiative launched by a coalition of Catholic and environmental organizations, including the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Health Association of the United States, the National Association of Catholic Social Action and Mission, Catholic Climate Covenant, Catholic Impact Investing Collaborative, Francesco Collaborative, Franciscan Action Network, Franciscan Friars, Ignatian Solidarity Network, Laudato Si’ Movement, Leadership Conference of Women Religious, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Network Advocates for Catholic Social Justice, the Saint Kateri Conservation Center, the Sisters of Mercy, and many others. The initiative calls Catholics to reflect on the profound relationship between God, humanity, and creation and to take concrete steps toward healing the Earth and renewing their spiritual commitment to creation care. The initiative culminates during the Season of Creation (Sept. 1 – Oct. 4, 2025), a time for prayer, reflection, and action focused on the environmental crisis facing our world today.
For more information, please visit http://Catholicpilgrimsofhope.org.
About Catholic Climate Covenant
Catholic Climate Covenant is a national U.S. nonprofit founded with the support of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2006 that inspires and equips U.S. Catholics and institutions to care for creation together. Through 20 national partners, we guide the U.S. Church’s response to climate change and integral ecology through faith-driven education, advocacy, and resources.
www.catholicclimatecovenant.org.
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