Blog
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The Power of Naming Changes Our Hearts
As we begin the Season of Creation, Fr. Christopher Steck, SJ reflects on what it means to care for God’s creation by cultivating a “contemplative gaze” that recognizes and appreciates the goodness of each creature.
Compassion on Campus: How One Student Took Action for Wildlife
At the University of South Florida, resident birds are entering the 2026–2027 school year safer, thanks to the compassion and persistence of one student. Learn about how USF student Kaylee Ortega spearheaded a project to raise awareness and protect wildlife.
A Plant-Based Harvest: Inspiration from Seton Hall University
At Seton Hall University, two delicious and fully plant-based events have brought people together to honor Saint Francis while raising awareness about the impact our food choices have on God’s creation. Learn about these events and other ways one professor is helping others take practical action for our common home.
Register for a Special Series of Reflections During the Season of Creation
During the Season of Creation, people around the globe recommit to caring for God’s creation. Inspired by this year’s official theme of abundant, immersive hope and ecological restoration, Living Water (Ezekiel 47: 9,12), we are sharing a weekly series of reflections about marine creatures and those working to protect them.
Meet the Catholic Priest Helping Stray Dogs Find Safety and Loving Homes
In Brazil, Catholic priest Father João Paulo de Araújo Gomes has opened his heart and his parish to stray dogs in need, helping them find safety and loving homes. We interviewed him to learn more about his work and compassionate approach.
10 Ways Parishes Can Honor Saint Francis’s Love for All Creatures During His Jubilee Year
Pope Leo XIV proclaimed 2026 the Special Year of Saint Francis, to be observed from January 10th, 2026 to January 10th, 2027. Now is an excellent time to reflect on Saint Francis’s message of peace, humility, and love for all of God’s creation while taking meaningful action.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: Living in Harmony with Creation
St. Kateri Tekakwitha (1656–1680), the first Native American person to be canonized by the Catholic Church, is the protectress of Canada and the patroness of environmentalism, ecology, and all Native American and First Nations peoples.
Changemaker Spotlight: PALS Program at Meals on Wheels Central Texas
Through PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors), Meals on Wheels Central Texas is making a major impact on homebound individuals and their beloved companion animals.
Peace and a Love for God's Creatures: Sister Ave Clark's Inspiring Story
In Queens, New York, Catholic Sister Ave Clark, OP is spreading joy and hope as a pastoral counselor, founder of Heart to Heart Ministry, author, and friend to animals. Discover the lessons and perspective she has gained from two dogs, Sunshine and Sundance.
Vatican Document Invites Respect and Care for Animals
A new Vatican document that relates integral ecology with family life offers practical guidelines to care for all God’s creatures. Fr. Daniel Mascarenhas, SJ reflects on how this call to action includes concern for animals suffering in factory farms - and how each of us can respect life and reject violence through our daily choices.
St. Philip Neri: A Saintly Love for All Creatures
St. Philip Neri (1515-1595) is the patron saint of joy and a saint known for his boundless compassion for humans and animals. In stories from his biography, written in 1622, we learn of his empathy for even the tiniest creatures.
Opening My Heart to One Heart: A Journey to a Catholic Compassion for Animals Group
Patrick McGrath, a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Carbondale, Illinois, shares a reflection on the beginnings of their ministry.
Changemaker Spotlight: Bird Safe Campuses
Learn how two innovators are empowering college campuses to address bird-window collisions and, in the process, save birds’ lives.
In the News: Featured in EWTN News & National Catholic Reporter
The Saint Francis Institute for Animals was recently featured in National Catholic Reporter and EWTN News! We are honored to be highlighted by these leading Catholic voices.
Everything is Connected: Five Ways Our Treatment of Animals Impacts the Earth
The concept of integral ecology reminds us that everything in creation is connected. In this Earth Day reflection, we consider how answering the cry of God’s creatures simultaneously answers the cry of the earth.
11 Plant-Based Recipes for a Compassionate Easter Celebration
From cinnamon rolls and an apple crisp, to a hearty lentil shepherd’s pie and stunning vegan wellington, we’ve gathered 11 recipes to bring compassion to your Easter menu.
Changemaker Spotlight: The Transfarmation Project
In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis calls for dialogue and collaboration to address today’s ecological challenges. Our first Changemaker Spotlight highlights an organization doing just that.
Farmed Animal Sanctuaries: Refuges for the Vulnerable
An estimated 10 billion land animals are killed for food every year in the US. But for a precious few farmed animals, life is very different.
Caring for Creation: The Invisible Threat Facing Birds
More than one billion birds die from window collisions annually in the U.S. The hopeful news? These are preventable, and our actions can save birds’ lives.