Care For Our Common Earth Home

On May 24, 2015, Pope Francis released his environmental encyclical, Laudato Si, or “Praised Be” from the words of St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Sun.  Pope Francis urges that “all of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvement and talents.” This will not be an easy task, however, and will require honesty, courage and responsibility, as “humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption.” By asserting that “truly, much can be done,” he reassures us that “local individuals and groups can make a real difference.”  (San Diego Diocese LSAP p. 6)

Major Themes of Laudato Si’:

• A moral and spiritual challenge. …
• Care for God’s creation. …
• Impact on the poor. …
• Called to solidarity. …
• Technological and economic development. …
• Supporting life, protecting creation. …
• A time to act. …
• Hope and Joy.

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform invites a worldwide involvement in spiritual reflection and development of processes to understand and improve the destruction to our earthly environment and its inhabitants. It is based on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ (Encyclical, 2015).

Check out the LSAP Website:  https://www.laudatosi.org/laudato-si/action-platform/

To find out more about the LSAP listen to Pope Francis’ 5:45 minute presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvMWMa84mfk

Laudato Si’ calls us toward sustainability in the spirit of integral ecology. With profound care for each other, our Creator, and all creation, we are building a better future together.
https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/about/

THE LAUDATO SI’ GOALS Discerning a response to the ecological crisis is a profound act of care. At this kairos moment, action is needed. The Laudato Si’ goals guide our actions. Their holistic approach supports a spiritual and cultural revolution as we strive for total sustainability in the spirit of integral ecology.

RESPONSE TO THE CRY OF THE EARTH is a call to protect our common home for the wellbeing of all, as we equitably address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and ecological sustainability. Actions could include the adoption of renewable energies and energy sufficiency measures, achieving carbon neutrality, protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and guaranteeing access to clean water for all.

RESPONSE TO THE CRY OF THE POOR is a call to promote eco-justice, aware that we are called to defend human life from conception to death, and all forms of life on Earth. Actions could include projects to promote solidarity, with special attention given to vulnerable groups such as indigenous communities, refugees, migrants, and children at risk, analysis and improvement of social systems, and social service programs.

ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS acknowledges that the economy is a sub-system of human society, which itself is embedded within the biosphere–our common home. Actions could include sustainable production and consumption, ethical investments, divestment from fossil fuels and any activity harmful to the planet and the people, supporting circular economies, and prioritizing care labor and protecting the dignity of workers.

ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES is grounded in the idea of sufficiency and promoting sobriety in the use of resources and energy. Actions could include reducing waste and recycling, adopting sustainable dietary habits (opting for a more plant-based diet and reducing meat consumption), greater use of public transport, active mobility (walking, cycling), and avoiding single use items (e.g. plastic, etc.).

ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION is about re-thinking and re-designing curricular and institutional reform in the spirit of integral ecology in order to foster ecological awareness and transformative action. Actions could include ensuring equitable access to education for all and promoting human rights, fostering Laudato Si’ themes within the community, encouraging ecological leadership (students, teachers), and ecological restoration activities.

ECOLOGICAL SPIRITUALITY recovers a religious vision of God’s creation and encourages greater contact with the natural world in a spirit of wonder, praise, joy and gratitude. Actions could include promoting creation-centered liturgical celebrations, developing ecological catechesis, retreats and formation programs, and praying in nature.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PARTICIPATORY ACTION  encourage the development of cultures and policies that protect our common home and all who share it. Actions could include promoting advocacy and developing people’s campaigns, engagement with decision-makers, and encouraging rootedness and a sense of belonging in local communities and neighborhood ecosystems.

Join the BVMs as we participate with the world community in responding to the cry of our common home to work towards sustainability and integral ecology. See the BVM Commitment Statement:  https://www.bvmsisters.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Signed-Document.pdf

The Care for Earth Committee encourages you to frequent the website for activities, resources, photos, and prayers for you to consider, as you engage with caring for the earth. (https://www.bvmsisters.org/care-for-our-common-earth-home).

As you progress in your activities, we invite you to share your writings, activities, photos, or videos via email at careforearth@bvmsisters.org so that we might post these on the website as well. Please consider writing a description and remember to include names.