Sisters and staff of the Sisters of Charity of New York gathered twice on Earth Day at Mount Saint Vincent to celebrate the beauty of creation and renew their commitment to caring for our common home.
The day began with a morning prayer service beside the Laudato Si’ Tree, followed later by a second gathering on the patio outside Mount Saint Vincent Convent. Together, participants prayed, sang, reflected, and shared gratitude for the sacred beauty of the Mount and the ways it continues to nourish, inspire, and ground daily life.
Rooted in the spirit of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, the gatherings invited all present to pause and recognize creation not simply as scenery, but as a sacred gift entrusted to our care.
As St. Elizabeth Seton once wrote, “All nature speaks to us of heaven — the delights of the morning — a flower of the field.” Her spirituality, deeply attentive to God’s presence in creation, continues to inspire the Sisters of Charity today.
The prayer booklet All Creation Sings: Praying the Psalms with St. Elizabeth Seton, created by Sisters of Charity Sr. Regina Bechtle and Sr. Margaret Egan, beautifully reflects that connection between faith, prayer, and creation. The collection invites readers “to experience the wonder of God’s creation, the power of God’s Word, and the wisdom of St. Elizabeth Seton.”
Throughout the celebrations, Sisters and staff reflected on gratitude, stewardship, and the responsibility to protect Earth for future generations. Surrounded by trees, gardens, birdsong, and the natural beauty overlooking the Hudson River, the Mount itself became both sanctuary and teacher.
In the words of Psalm 96 from All Creation Sings:
“Rejoice, all of creation!
Mighty sea with your creatures, roar God’s praises.
Stately trees of the woods, shout your welcome to the Ruler of earth.”
May the spirit of Earth Day continue to call us toward reverence, gratitude, and action as we care for our common home.
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