There is a nobility in the duty to care for creation through little daily actions, and it is wonderful how education can bring about real changes in lifestyle.
Pope Francis’ papal encyclical on the environment released June 18, 2015 was a call to the world about the interconnection of all creation.
In November 2021, the Church called upon Catholics and all people to join a seven-year initiative, Laudato Si Action Platform, to focus on redefining and rebuilding our relationship with each other and our common home.
“What does Laudato Si’ mean?” The words mean, “Praise be to you (my Lord)”. The line is a reference to the writings of St. Francis of Assisi who 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.” ~ Canticle of the Creatures in Francis of Assisi: Early Documents, vol. 1.
Laudato Si’ Week, May 22-29, 2022, will mark the seventh anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on creation care. This global celebration will unite Catholics to rejoice in the efforts we have put forth for the Care of Creation over many years and decades. In this moment in time, we are called to become conscious of those efforts and to RECOMMIT ourselves to continue forward. Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters Pledge
Our Congregation has, for many years, used the DOMINICAN CALL TO JUSTICE as the foundation of our justice responses: Climate Justice, Economic Justice, Human Trafficking, Migration/Immigration and Peace and Security of All Life. A key concept that has arisen from our justice responses and study of Laudato Si’ is that of INTEGRAL ECOLOGY: an integrated and holistic approach to political, social, economic, and environmental problems.
Integral ecology demands that we pay attention to how any and all justice issues are connected to one another. An Integral Ecology mindset will move us to concern about how all justice issues interconnect with one another. This mindset will allow us to view the Laudato Si’ Action Plan not simply as an environmental project but as loving care for all Creation.
