The Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation is a nationwide Catholic initiative inviting the faithful to encounter Christ in Creation and renew relationships with God, the Earth, and one another. Supported by Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Climate Covenant, the Laudato Si’ Movement, Franciscan Friars, Ignatian Solidarity Network, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, the Saint Kateri Conservation Center and many others, the pilgrimage offers a sacred opportunity to pray, reflect, and take action.
In the Diocese of Raleigh, the effort is promoted by North Carolina Catholics Caring for Our Common Home (N4CH), a diocesan ministry that helps North Carolina Catholics become better stewards of the Earth by implementing the seven goals of Laudato Si’. The ministry’s vision is clear: fall in love with creation again, fall out of harmful habits, and rise up in hope to respond to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.
N4CH’s current initiatives include encouraging parish participation in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, promoting energy audits, and demonstrating how parishes can save money by switching to LED lighting and solar energy. The ministry reaches out to all Catholics in the diocese and welcomes new involvement.
In 2025, the pilgrimage carries added meaning, marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures. Pilgrims are invited to pray the Canticle and reflect on its call to see all of creation as a family of God’s gifts.
Catholics may also obtain a Jubilee plenary indulgence by visiting one of the designated pilgrimage churches in the diocese:
- Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh
- Basilica Shrine of Saint Mary, Wilmington
- Mother of Mercy Church, Washington
- St. Patrick Church, Fayetteville
- St. Paul Church (Old St. Paul), New Bern
The pilgrimage format includes prayer stops at sacred images of the Sacred Heart, St. Francis, Our Lady, Divine Mercy, and the Baptismal Font, as well as prayers for the intentions of Pope Leo.
“This is a sacred opportunity to walk with St. Francis, honor God’s creation, and renew our lives of faith,” said Monica Kleimeyer, secretary for N4CH.
To learn more, contact Deacon Joshua Klickman at Joshua.Klickman@raldioc.org or Monica Kleimeyer at laudatosicircle@gmail.com.
Make the pilgrimage
With a group at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Oct. 11
On your own at any time: