In top photo, Bishop O’Connell celebrates Mass in Our Lady Star of the Sea Beach Chapel to begin diocesan observance of the Season of Creation. Vic Mistretta photo
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated a special Mass for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Sept. 1 in Our Lady Star of the Sea Beach Chapel, Manasquan, officially launching the Season of Creation in the Diocese of Trenton.
Listen to Bishop O’Connell’s Homily below:
Marking the beginning of the five-week environmental and spiritual observance running from Sept. 1 to Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Mass was reflective of the Diocese’s first Mass for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation held in 2015 in the Beach Chapel.
PHOTO GALLERY: 2026 Mass for the Season of Creation
“Eleven years ago, Pope Francis reminded the world in Laudato Si’ that creation is God’s work and God’s gift, placed in our hands to guard,” Bishop O’Connell said in his homily.
“Here in New Jersey, that truth is close to the surface. We live in a beautiful state of oceans and rivers, forests and farmlands. And we know its fragility,” he said, then referred to the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
The Bishop reflected on the 2015 diocesan Mass when he said, “Sandy showed us what nature can do to us, while Laudato Si’ asked what are we doing to nature – our common home?”
“That question remains,” he said.
More to come on the 2026 Mass for the Care of Creation in the Diocese of Trenton.
