Francisâ?? decision to implement the event is in keeping with themes expressed in the encyclical and is also seen as a sign of unity with the Orthodox Church, which established Sept. 1 as a day to celebrate creation in 1989.
The seven traditional corporal works of mercy include concrete acts of charity, such as feeding the hungry; giving drink to the thirsty; clothing the naked; sheltering the homeless; visiting the imprisoned; visiting the sick; and burying the dead.
The spiritual works, on the other hand, entail actions like instructing the ignorant; counseling the doubtful; admonishing the sinner; bearing wrongs patiently; forgiving offenses willingly; comforting the sorrowful; and praying for the living and the dead.
Caring for creation, then, marks a new opportunity, not only to get a green thumb, but to practice mercy while doing so.
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