From September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to October 4, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the city of the Poor Little One hosts a wide range of activities under the theme ‘Living Water’. The initiative, framed within the Season of Creation, seeks to raise awareness about the defense of the environment and integral ecology, and takes on special significance as it coincides with the year of the eighth centenary of Saint Francis’s death.
The theme ‘Living Water’ was chosen for 2026 by the ecumenical committee, referring to the image of the prophet Ezekiel of water flowing from the temple of God, manifesting the abundance of mercy and the generosity of the Creator. According to the source, this image invites each person to be like a river led by God, because ‘where the river flows, everything will live’ (Ezekiel 47:9).
Antonio Caschetto, director of the Laudato si’ Higher Education Center, stated: ‘Our common home, scorched by the already evident climate crisis, is very thirsty: thirsty for peace, thirsty for justice, thirsty for true relationships.’ He added that the Canticle of the Creatures and the life of Saint Francis show that it is possible to be ‘a source of living water, capable of bringing life and relief everywhere,’ and stressed that this is a favorable time to ‘reflect and act together,’ joining forces with the whole Church.
The program of events in Assisi is part of the celebrations for the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis’s death and is supported by the Umbria Region. The Assisi-Gubbio march will open the Season of Creation on September 1. Planned activities include: an interdiocesan ecumenical prayer; the events of the ‘Atrium of Francis’; the dedication of the Theater of Dialogue, in the Laudato si’ Citadel, to Raimon Panikkar; an ecumenical meeting in Perugia on peace; activities on the lawn of the Basilica of Saint Francis; the Feast of the Canticle in San Damiano; excursions to the Forest of Saint Francis; and a round table in Perugia on climate change, titled ‘Water, a Precious Good to Safeguard’.
On October 3, within the framework of the celebrations of Saint Francis, patron of Italy, the Season of Creation will conclude with participation in the novena of Saint Francis and in the nighttime march ‘On the Way with Francis’, organized by the Franciscan families and the diocese, in collaboration with the Laudato si’ Center. The departure will be from the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, passing through San Damiano, until reaching the atrium of the Basilica of Saint Francis, to the sound of the Canticle of the Creatures. The route will culminate with the Eucharistic celebration in the lower church of the basilica.
Context and Relevance
The Season of Creation is an annual event that seeks to raise awareness about the defense of the environment and integral ecology. In Assisi, this celebration takes on particular value due to its connection with Saint Francis, known for his love of creation. Additionally, young people from various secondary schools in Italy who participated in the Ecologika Contest, reflecting on the theme ‘Living Water’, will make a pilgrimage from November 9 to 12 to immerse themselves in the places of Assisi. These activities, supported by the Umbria Region, aim to join forces with the whole Church and offer a favorable time for reflection and joint action in favor of our common home.
Original source: www.vaticannews.va (published on August 31, 2026)
