We are sad that Pope Francis has died, and we remember him with gratitude...
It’s been ten years since Pope Francis offered Laudato Sí, On Care for Our Common Home to the world. On the Solemnity of Pentecost, 2015, Pope Francis issued to all of us an Encyclical Letter, Laudato Sí. People throughout the world, of all ages, have recognized this letter as a beautiful yet brutally honest description of the relationship we are to have with other humans and with our environment, yet it shows how we have fallen short of that.
In this authoritative letter Frances has clearly stated the seriousness of the environmental crisis as he advocates for ecological justice and sustainability. He asserts his own religious leadership as a contribution in shaping the global conversation, and asks us to share in assuming this responsibility.
Every month since May 2023 we have focused on a topic or issue offered in Laudato Sí – defining, explaining, analyzing. Read all past posts here. This month, as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the encyclical, we are taking a more reflective approach. Each of us — Marlene, Kathi, and Dorothy — gave our time to considering all we have read, discussed, and written through these years as we prepared these monthly articles. We each identified concepts that are personally appealing.
Marlene Trambley, Oblate (on cell phone):
- Relationships; Everything in nature is in relationship; Integral ecology
- Common good; All people are to be considered
- “The next chapter begins with us." Laudato Sí Platform Committee
Kathi Pae, Oblate (on right):
- A spiritual perspective is integrated into the environment
- This encyclical introduced me to Catholic Social Teaching
- Everything is connected
- Science and scientific research is to be praised and used
Dorothy Stoner, OSB (on left):
- The need for dialogue is continually advocated at all levels, locally and globally.
- Science and technology are valued and appreciated and also a clear critique is expressed.
- All creation is sacred, not only humans, and this understanding is rooted in Scripture and Catholic Tradition
Suggested actions:
As we celebrate this tenth anniversary of Laudato Sí we invite you to consider all you have learned – all you know – about this encyclical. What two or three issues, challenges, or situations are currently most significant for you?
Identify one of these issues, challenges, or situations. Select one action to which you will commit to address what you have identified.
With the Spirit of Pope Francis, celebrate this tenth anniversary in a way that will bring you joy. Invite others to join you. Now, it’s time to celebrate! Happy Anniversary!
