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The purpose of the program was to introduce the ecumenical process enshrining “Creation Day” in Western calendars; take stock of the process so far ahead of the Nicaea centenary; compile the main theological motivations that emerged so far for the day to become a liturgical feast; and unpack the role of “liturgical ecumenism” in the broader Catholic ecumenical agenda, particularly vis-à-vis the calendar and lectionary.
“Joining this conference of Catholic liturgists from all over the world in Assisi and online on the possible Feast of Creation in the church calendar, was very encouraging,” said Bedford-Strohm. “I felt a similar momentum as in the first Assisi conference in March 2024 in which the process was started.”
Currently there are two “Christ feasts” in the church calendar: Christmas and Easter. “With Pentecost, we have a feast of the Holy Spirit,” explained Bedford-Strohm. “But we do not have a feast of God the Creator in our church calendar.”
Considering how important the spiritual grounding of all activities against human destruction of the earth and for an ecologically viable future is, the program represented an historical moment, Bedford-Strohm said. “Establishing a Feast of God the Creator could be a spiritual vitamin shot for the churches and their witness for a sustainable future,” he said. “It could be a remaining impulse from the ecumenical anniversary year of 2025.”
WCC executive committee radiates hope amid world’s darkness | World Council of Churches
Nicaea 2025 | World Council of Churches
