The Season of Creation concluded on October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Throughout this season, the Passionist Family in both Holy Cross and St. Paul of the Cross Provinces joined in prayer and celebration, giving thanks for our common home and renewing our commitment to care for it.
Our Passionist mission calls us to keep alive the memory of Christ’s Passion and respond with love to the suffering around us. This includes the wounds of our Earth and the needs of people whose lives depend on its health. As the season closes, we carry this call into our daily lives.
These celebrations offered meaningful opportunities to pause, give thanks and deepen our connection with God’s creation.
A Reflection and Blessing with Fr. Pat Brennan
Fr. Pat Brennan, CP, joined by his dog Rosie, shared a video reflection and blessing of animals in celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
The video also includes photos of beloved pets from across our Passionist Family, celebrating the companionship, comfort and joy they bring to our lives.
Mass at St. Gabriel’s Parish in Toronto
On Sunday, October 4, St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish in Toronto, Ontario, concluded their celebration of this 2026 Season of Creation with a Blessing of Animals. Over thirty parishioners brought dogs, cats, rabbits and even a lizard to receive a blessing from Fr. Paul Ruttle, CP.
In his own words, “These animals, these gifts of God’s creation, have been blessings to your lives with their companionship, their loyalty, and the joy they bring to you. Now, we ask God to bless them with health and happiness, and with many years of life with you.”
A Mass for Creation in Houston
At Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, TX, a Mass for Creation brought the community together in gratitude and prayer. It was an invitation to deepen our love for creation and carry that love into everyday choices.
Thank you to our Laudato Si’ team and everyone in the Passionist Family who helped make this season meaningful. May the prayers, reflections and celebrations of these weeks continue to inspire us to care for the Earth and one another throughout the year.
