Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Parishes and groups within the Archdiocese of Louisville are participating in the “Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation,” a national initiative that aligns with the Jubilee Year of Hope and marks the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’.” The effort is organized by a coalition that includes Catholic and environmental organizations such as the Catholic Climate Covenant.

The initiative encourages participants to undertake pilgrimages, which can range from brief walks on parish grounds to longer journeys through natural areas or visits to sites recognized for their ecological importance. These activities are scheduled during the Season of Creation, observed from September 1 through October 4.

According to information provided by the Catholic Climate Covenant’s website, “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.”

Several parishes and groups in Louisville have announced plans for their own pilgrimages as part of this observance.