Five years ago, Pope Francis shared with the world his encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home. In it, he calls on all people of good will to undergo an ecological conversion so that we can transform our relationships and live in harmony with God, nature, and one another. Our current system he explains has created a throwaway culture where God’s creation is only valued for the sake of profitability. As a consequence, humanity is facing a climate crisis whose impacts are suffered most by the poorest of our human family. As the current COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our lives in unprecedented ways, Laudato SI’ has taken on even greater significance in providing a roadmap for the changes needed so that all, including Mother Earth, can live in dignity.
We have joined with the Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM), Caritas Internationalis, CIDSE and many other members of our Catholic family for Laudato Si’ Week. Join us over the coming days in celebrating Laudato Si’ and re-committing to live out its call to care for our common home. Here’s how!
Delve into our many resources on Laudato Si’
Over the years, we have produced many great resources inspired by Laudato Si’. Explore our campaign For our Common Home and take a moment to read our Reflection on Integral Ecology.
You can also find videos, guides, prayers and other Laudato Si’ resources here.
Let us reflect together
Saturday, March 23rd at 1 p.m., be part of our webinar Laudato Si’: heeding the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor five years on, organized in conjunction with the Canadian Religious Conference and GCCM – Canada.
Featuring:
- Stephen Bede Scharper, Associate Professor of Environment at the University Toronto and Toronto Star columnist
- Rebecca Rathbone, Development and Peace – Caritas Canada Animator for Southwest Ontario and Caritas Youth Leader
- Agnes Richard, Coordinator, GCCM – Canada
- Sr. Sue Wilson, CSJ, Office for Systemic Justice, Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada
Moderated by Kelly Di Domenico, Director – Communications, Development and Peace – Caritas Canada
Pray
On Sunday, May 24th, there will be a global day of prayer to celebrate Laudato Si’. Join us at noon, your time zone across Canada, for a Facebook watch party to pray together. The prayer can be found here.
Learn the basics
On Friday, May 29th, Development and Peace’s animators will be holding a special online session on the basics of Laudato Si’, allowing you to examine the main ideas and principles behind the encyclical and to better understand its key ideas. This is a great opportunity to learn more on the environmental crisis and to discuss the Pope’s concept of integral ecology.
Laudato Si’ for families
If you had the opportunity to write a letter to all of humanity, what would it say? We are offering you a chance to do just that! This spiritual reflection can be done as a family or between friends. Just watch this video, which will guide you through the activity, and learn about Laudato Si’ while you’re at it!
You can also watch this short animated video to learn more about Laudato Si’!
Visit the official Laudato Si’ Week website for other events and resources.
