Opening Mass for the Care of Creation

“As we begin our school year during this Season of Creation, which lasts until St. Francis’ feast day on October 4th, we might take this opportunity to reflect on how we engage with the world in our own lives. We might ask ourselves: Where have I recently witnessed the beauty of God’s creation? How can I embrace the Xaverian value of simplicity and detachment from material goods? How can I use my unique gifts and talents to be a good caretaker of what God has entrusted to us?

As Pope Leo reminds us in his message for the Season of Creation, even though damage has been done to the earth by humans, it is not too late for us to take seriously the task which God has handed to us: that we are to be good stewards of this vast and beautiful world. To do so, we must embrace the message of the Gospel, we must develop a sense of genuine gratitude for the earth, and we must pay attention, not only to nature, but to ourselves, our families, our classmates, our teachers, and all our neighbors.

In this new school year, let us build a community at Malden Catholic that cares for all creation."

With these words, senior Jacey Odvil invited the Malden Catholic community to join in prayer at our opening Mass, a Mass for the Care of Creation. In response to Pope Leo’s request to Catholic communities to prayerfully consider our role within God’s creation during the month of September, last week’s liturgy gave our community an opportunity to reflect on the call to simplicity, a Xaverian value that encourages us to detach from material goods and focus instead on what truly matters.

We were grateful to welcome Father Kevin Leaver, newly installed pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish in Malden, who celebrated Mass with us. In his reflection, Father Leaver reminded our community that caring for all creation includes caring for ourselves, one another, and the communities in which we live and learn.