Creation time
1 September to 4 October 2020.

We are on the 5th anniversary of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si'care for our common home. It is a moment to remind us that everything in nature is connected. It is teaching us today to build a better society, collaborating and cooperating for a sustainable future. People's "cry" of hope is felt everywhere and they urgently need faith to light their way. We join the Ecumenical Churches in this season of creation starting from 1 September to 4 October 2020.
Sr. Marykutty Mathew Palaparambil, Provincial of the Demarcation St Francis Xavier IndiaHe addressed the sisters on the occasion of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, the beginning of the Time of Creation, quoting Pope Francis: "Living the vocation to be protectors of God's work is an essential part of a virtuous existence, not an optional or secondary aspect of the Christian experience. He reminded us to do something very practical around our homes, given the protocol of social isolation, to bring to life the message of caring for our common home, the Earth. Each community did their bit to contribute to the care of nature. Communities with schools encouraged the children to understand the need to give more importance to the cultivation of trees, caring for the plants in the fields around their homes and on the roadsides with the aim of educating the students that as the earth provides enough for our sustenance, it is our duty to care for and preserve it. A tree planted today will bear fruit for the future generation. The children also offered prayers (bid, as their grandparents used to say) to the trees and to thank them for all the benefits they bring us. They also prepared environmentally friendly litter bins to avoid littering in the field or by the roadside. The children were asked to go outside the fences to collect papers or plastics and reuse them to make flower pots, pencil holders or other recycling. The children enjoyed themselves as well as educated themselves. Collecting water is another way to use this gift of nature wisely. Most of the places where we move around have water, but out of solidarity with those who lack it, we try to use water without wasting it; by collecting rainwater we try to improve the groundwater level.
Some of the communities working with the youth took this opportunity to raise awareness. The sisters cultivate the land and sell the produce from which they earn enough to support themselves. This helped the young people working with us and those in our associations to recognise the good effects of organic, home-grown food, which is healthier than what is sold on the market. They were also encouraged to take care of a tree along the streets or around their homes so that we can breathe clean air and protect ourselves from pollution. This step can go a long way towards ameliorating the global crisis of climate change and global warming.
Cleanliness is an inherent part of caring for nature. Making the best use of waste is a programme that is carried out in all our communities. We use leftovers or kitchen waste as compost to grow organic vegetables. Communities in the following locations are encouraged to The bamboo is used in rural areas, villages or closer to the forest or mountains to use objects that are made locally or in the area. All communities in northeast India use bamboo in their dwellings, not only for making containers but also as food in vegetables or pickles. Raising livestock such as cows, buffaloes and chickens is very common, but now we are taking care of them with greater care so that the needs of the community and poor families can be met. Such efforts can provide sustainable development and also ultimately generate respect and care for all living things.
We want to form ourselves and our future generations in a holistic way, so we encourage contemplation, meditation, and finding rest and tranquillity in the midst of nature which will help us to improve our health and to recognise and be grateful for the wonders of the Creator in creation. We are committed to cooperate as God's instruments for the care of Our Common Home.
Province of St Francis Xavier, INDIAhttps://youtu.be/oxjQAz9OiZM