Green Priests host gatherings on care for creation

Three senior priests from the Diocese of St. Augustine, Monsignor Vincent Haut, Father Ed Rooney, and Father Guy Noonan, hosted two gatherings to discuss the Church's call to care for creation. Known as the Green Priests, the group held these events during the Season of Creation, which runs from September 1 through October 4.

The first gathering took place September 1 at the St. Joseph Neighborhood Center in St. Augustine with approximately 40 attendees. A second event was held September 5 at Holy Faith Catholic Church in Gainesville, where about 60 people participated.

During the sessions, Father Noonan provided a reflection on Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, explaining that the title is derived from the opening words of the Canticle of Creation. He noted that all creation is connected through interwoven relationships. Monsignor Haut led the concluding conversations and sharing sessions. The programs included Scripture readings, a poem by Wendell Berry, a video of the Canticle of Creation, and a video of a prayer for the Season of Creation by Pope Leo XIV.