What is Laudato Si' and how can we join our Holy Father, Pope Francis, in care for all God's creation?
 

"Laudato Si’ - On Care For Our Common Home” is Pope Francis' second encyclical given in Rome at Saint Peter's Square on May 24, 2015, the Solemnity of Pentecost (the third year of his Pontificate). Even now, its message and mission call to our hearts and speaks to souls. From the very first paragraph, our Pontiff calls on our patron saint for animals and ecology to inspire us:

In the words of the beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. "Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs." (from "Canticle of the Sun," a.k.a. "Canticle of the Creatures," the song/prayer composed in 1225 by Francis of Assisi praising God for His Creation).

Pope Francis points out that “living our vocation to be protectors of God's handiwork is essential to a life of virtue.”  The encyclical speaks to "irresponsible development and exploitation of our natural resources, environmental degradation, and global warming," and calls on all the world's people to take "swift and unified global action."

He encourages us to “Bring the whole human family together...for we know that things can change.”  “We human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage” (LS 92).  This, dear brothers and sisters of Saint Andrew Parish, is Pope Francis' message of unity and hope in Laudato Si.'

In May 2021, Pope Francis launched the Laudato Si' Seven-Year platform.  The brochure, "Cultivating Hope - Caring for God's Creatures,"

The Season of Creation Brochure provides us with 7 goals to try to achieve: “Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles, Response to the Cry of the Poor, Ecological Economics, Ecological Education, Ecological Spirituality, Community Engagement, and Participation Action and Response to the Cry of the Earth.”  Kindly read this brochure at your leisure; and, share it with your loved ones, schools, and community.

Caring for and respecting the Earth, including all people, creatures, and nature, is a source of great blessing, faith, and courage.  Let's begin our journey by becoming more aware of Pope Francis' heart as reflected in Laudato Si' and learn how we can do our part in protecting our common home.  The encyclical can be viewed on the following website:

It is the newly forming Creation Care Team's hope that, as a Parish community, we can join together to share our learning and experiences promoting and supporting our common home.  We invite you to pray, take action, and advocate for social justice and the protection of God's Creation.

Kindly see the Bulletin's "Creation Care Corner" and this website for inspiration and encouragement along with upcoming activities and news.