WASHINGTON, D.C. – Catholic organizations across the United States are coming together to launch Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation, a nationwide movement to encourage individuals and communities to embark on pilgrimages during the 2025 Jubilee Year, focusing on the sacred relationship between humanity and creation.
In this pivotal year, marking both the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures and the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si’, the initiative invites Catholics to rediscover the beauty of God’s creation through prayer, reflection, and action. Pilgrimages will take place across the U.S. during the Season of Creation (September 1 – October 4, 2025), offering opportunities for personal transformation and community-building.
This unique initiative invites participants to explore a variety of pilgrimage experiences — from short walks in local parks to longer treks through mountains or forests, to visits to places of natural beauty or ecological significance. Wherever these pilgrimages take place, they all share the same mission: to restore our relationship with God, with each other, and with the Earth, and to cultivate a renewed commitment to caring for creation.
“This year, as Catholics, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on our role in creation care. Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation are about healing — healing our connection to the Earth, to one another, and to God. It’s about acknowledging our disconnection and choosing to take tangible steps toward reconciliation. This is not just a journey of the body; it’s a pilgrimage of the soul,” said Dan Misleh, Founder and Executive Director of Catholic Climate Covenant, one of the organizations involved in the Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation initiative.
Catholic individuals, families, faith communities, and organizations are invited to participate in these pilgrimages. Whether joining an existing pilgrimage or organizing one in their own area, participants will have access to resources, guides, and opportunities for spiritual reflection.
“You are the hero of this journey. As you take this step toward healing, you are showing the world that each of us has a role to play in restoring creation. The Earth needs us, and we need each other. This pilgrimage is about bringing hope to the world, one step at a time.”