THE FEAST OF CREATION AND THE MYSTERY OF CREATION: Ecumenism, Theology, Liturgy, and Signs of the Times in Dialogue

In recent decades, the “Feast of Creation” of September 1 (also known as Creation Day or World Day of Prayer for Creation) has emerged as an important Christian celebration of Creation. Originally inspired by an ancient tradition of the Orthodox Church, nearly all major denominations now celebrate the feast annually through countless ecumenical initiatives and prayers, celebrating God as Creator and the great mystery of the creation of the cosmos.

The seminar will explore the ecumenical journey so far in celebrating the feast and its potential to be jointly instituted in the liturgical calendars of Western Churches. The Assisi seminar, hosted by Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino, will explore the details of the proposal, enrich it further with the contributions from participants, and discern if the time has arrived for this ecumenical step. It will take place in the iconic Cittadella center of Pro Civitate Christiana, venue of the historic 1956 International Congress of Pastoral Liturgy in the lead up to the Second Vatican Council.

PROGRAM

Available here.

INVITED PARTICIPANTS

• Leaders from various churches (particularly World Communion level, but also open to regional levels)
• Ecumenical dialogue leaders
• Scholars – theologians, liturgists, ecumenists.
• Ministers and leaders engaged in creation-related ministries and ecumenical efforts

LOGISTICAL DETAILS

• Dates and times: March 15-16, from 9am to 6.30pm CET both days (with optional programming on March 14 and 17; see program).
• Venue: Cittadella Laudato Si’ (known as “Cittadella”) – Via degli Ancaiani 3, Assisi.
• Format: Mainly in-person (remote connection, even if discouraged, will be available for those unable to travel).
• RSVP: Required via the registration form (deadline: January 10).
• Translations: Available in English and Italian (Spanish to perhaps be added).
• Accommodation: For practical convenience it is suggested to book accommodation in Cittadella itself via the RSVP form above – the discounted rate for seminar participants is €49 per night. But many other options are available across Assisi.
• Meals: For Cittadella guests: €22 full board (recommended) or €12 one meal (breakfast already included in accommodation). For those not staying at Cittadella: €17 per meal.
• Travel: Participants are kindly requested to arrange their own travel. See: “How to reach Cittadella”. For air travel, both Perugia and Rome are viable options (by train, Assisi is 2hs from Rome’s center and 3hs from Rome’s Fiumicino airport).
• Contact info: Assisi@LaudatoSiMovement.org